Like the rest of its Southeast Asian neighbors, Indonesia observes national holidays to commemorate major religious festivals and nationalistic events. Since Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, most of the Indonesian holidays listed below are major Islamic festivals and are designated “tanggal merah” or red dates.
The Indonesian equivalent of long weekends is “cuti bersama” or shared holidays. The Coordinating Minister for the People’s Welfare announced that there 5 days of “cuti bersama” this year on top of the 14 official holidays (Lebaran is celebrated for two days). These long weekends have been instituted to encourage domestic tourism.
On these red dates, government offices, schools, banks and most commercial establishments are closed.
Below is the Indonesia Public Holiday schedule 2013.
New Year’s Day 2013 – Tuesday, 1 January 2013
A worldwide celebration of the first day of the year according to Gregorian calendar.
Tahun Baru Masehi 2013 – Thursday, 24 January 2013
A very important Islamic holiday, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is commemorated on this day.
Chinese New Year 2013 – Sunday, 10 February 2013
Indonesia’s ethnic Chinese makes up 3.7% of its population, or 8.8. million. This day celebrates the first day of the first month of the Chinese luni-solar calendar.
Hari Raya Nyepi or Balinese Day of Silence – Tuesday, 12 March 2013
The island of Bali celebrates its New Year according to the phases of the moon. In contrast with the Gregorian celebration of New Year, the Balinese welcome the first day of the first year in meditative silence. No one goes outside and tourists are not allowed to leave their hotels or lodges (there are religious patrols on the streets to ensure that no loitering occurs).
Good Friday 2013 – Friday, 29 March 2013
Roman Catholicism is one of approved religions in Indonesia, and as such, major festivals sanctioned by the Vatican are also acknowledged by the government. On this day, Catholics commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
Ascension of Jesus Christ 2013 – Thursday, 9 May 2013
This day commemorates the ascension of Christ 40 days after His resurrection.
Hari Raya Waisak 2013 – Saturday, 25 May 2013
Buddhism is another government-acknowledged religion in Indonesia. On this day, monks and adherents celebrate the birthday of Buddha and flock to Borobudur in Central Java, the largest Buddhist structure in the world, to perform merits and religious rituals.
Isra Mi’raj Nabi Muhammad or The Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad 2013 – Thursday, 6 June 2013
This day commemorates the physical and spiritual journey of Muhammad to the farthest mosque where He ascended to the heavens and received instructions from Allah which He then took back down to the faithful below.
Shared Holiday 2013 – Monday-Wednesday, 5-7 August 2013
On these shared holidays, Indonesians are encouraged to take collective leaves to prepare for the end of Ramadan, or the month of fasting.
Lebaran or Hari Raya Idul Fitri 2013 – Thursday to Friday, 8-9 August 2013
Lebaran is observed at the end of Ramadan with mass prayers, visits to the family, asking of forgiveness and sharing of traditional meals. This massive exodus to the provinces and back to the cities means traffic mayhem in the streets of Indonesia.
Indonesian Independence Day 2013 – Saturday, 17 August 2013
On August 17, 1945, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, later appointed as President and Vice President, respectively, led the declaration of independence from the Netherlands. Officially, the proclamation of independence was acknowledged by Netherlands in 1949.
Shared Holiday 2013 – Monday, 14 October 2013
Idul Adha 2013 – Tuesday, 15 October 2013
The Feast of Sacrifice commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his first-born Ismail. As such, this day is celebrated with sacrificing livestock (sheep, goat, cow, camel, buffalo) and sharing the meat to friends, family and the poor.
Muharram or Islamic New Year 2013 – Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Muslims usher in the first month of the Islamic calendar at the sighting of the new moon on this month called “muharram.” Fasting is observed among the faithful, along with abstinence from fighting, until the tenth day of the month, or only on the tenth day of the month.
Christmas Day 2013 – Wednesday, 25 December 2013
Christians celebrate the birth of their savior Jesus Christ on this day.
Shared Holiday 2013 – Thursday, 26 December 2013
Photo by Mr. T in DC
