Indonesia Calendar in 2025 – Full List of Public Holidays, Hindu Days And Observances

New Year’s Day, Public Holiday, 1 Jan Wednesday

Like most of the world, Indonesia observes a public holiday on January 1st to commemorate New Year’s Day. The festivities, however, really get underway on New Year’s Eve and peak when the clocks are turned from 11:59 p.m. on December 31 to midnight on January 1.

Some people use New Year’s Day to make resolutions and start over, while others use it to recuperate from a long, late night spent with friends and family.

There are actually four distinct New Year’s Days in Indonesia! Although we will be concentrating on January 1st, there are other holidays that fall on the calendar: Chinese New Year, which falls between mid-January and mid-February, Balinese New Year, which falls on the first day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar.

There are New Year’s celebrations organized by the government in numerous large cities across Indonesia. Stages for entertainment, bright lights everywhere, fireworks over the city at night, food, and lots of partying in homes and on the streets will all be present.

The customs surrounding New Year’s Day on January 1st are mainly similar to those observed in Western nations. However, because Indonesia is straddling the equator, you also have the added attraction of warm weather and gorgeous beaches even in December and January.

Learn more: Indonesian National Anthem: English Translation, Original Lyrics and History

Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (Tentative Date), Public Holiday, 27 Jan Monday

The Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad is an important celebration in Indonesia. This holiday is referred to as Isra Mi’raj and occurs on the 27th day of Rajab, the 7th month in the Islamic Calendar.

Isra Mi’raj commemorates the night journey of the Prophet Muhammad to Heaven, following his encounter with Gabriel during meditation in a mountain cave close to Mecca. Within the cave, Muhammad accepted God’s call to establish Islam and to convey to the world the message of the one true God.

The Quran states that Muhammad left the Holy Masjid in Mecca to journey to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. From Masjid al-Aqsa, Gabriel, an angel of God, led Muhammad through the Kingdom of God and the seven heavens.

Following his encounters with prophets at every level of heaven and witnessing the numerous wonders around him, Muhammad journeyed through the seventh heaven to reach Paradise. In Paradise, the marvels of Heaven expanded in both number and magnitude.

Muhammad ultimately attained the Throne of God. At the Throne of God, God officially instructed Muhammad to establish Islam. God has assured that obedient Muslims will receive the magnificent rewards of Paradise. Muhammad came back to Earth to fulfill his mission and established Islam.

Imlek/Chinese New Year’s Day, Public Holiday, 29 Jan Wednesday

Chinese New Year is a public holiday when families reunite to celebrate the new lunar year. Chinese New Year always begins on the first day of the lunar calendar. This holiday always falls in January or February on the Gregorian calendar.

Indonesia is known for its diversity. Chinese New Year is important in Indonesia, even though most people are non-Chinese Muslims.

Many Indonesian markets near large Chinese communities will open before Chinese New Year. Fireworks, clothes, toys, and gifts are sold at these markets. Chinese people traditionally gift friends and family during Chinese New Year.

Red envelope gifts are a popular Chinese New Year tradition. Red envelopes are usually given to children by the elderly. Married couples often give red envelopes to unmarried relatives. Red envelopes often contain money. Good luck is often associated with envelope money.

Chinese families will gather in a central location on Chinese New Year’s Eve. A big meal will be served after everyone arrives. Indonesian Chinese New Year celebrants often eat a mix of Chinese and Indonesian food.

Maha Shivaratri, Hindu Holiday, 26 Feb Wednesday

The Hindu god Shiva is one of the three main gods in Hindu mythology.

A festival that is held annually to honor Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction, Maha Shivratri is a celebration. In order to celebrate, people adhere to a fast for the entire day and remain awake throughout the night. In addition, they sing devotional songs known as bhajans and chant hymns while doing so.

This is not a holiday that is observed by the government. The state of Indiana has standard business hours for its establishments.

Ramadan Start (Tentative Date), Observance, 2 Mar Sunday

The month of Ramadan begins when the Waxing Crescent Moon can be observed in the evening sky.

The ninth month in the Islamic calendar is called Ramadan, sometimes referred to as Ramadhan or Ramzan. Muslims all across the world dedicate this time to prayer, fasting, charitable giving, and religious observance. Since it marks the occasion when the Prophet Muhammad (also known as Muhammad or Muhammad) received the first revelations of the Koran (also known as the Qu’ran), the final third of Ramadan is especially sacred.

In Indonesia, the beginning of Ramadan is not a public holiday. It occurs on Sunday, March 2, 2025, and most Indonesian businesses are open on Sundays as usual.

Holi, Hindu Holiday, 14 Mar Friday

Holi is a time when everyone throws off the gloom of winter and rejoices in the colors and liveliness of spring.

Holi, also known as Dolyatra, Doul Jatra, or Basanta-Utsav, is a Hindu festival of colors that honors fertility, a bountiful harvest, and the victory of good over evil. Typically, it occurs in the latter half of February or early March.

Indonesia does not observe Holi as a public holiday. Companies open for business during regular hours.

March Equinox Season, 20 Mar Thursday

The Sun moves from south to north across the celestial equator, an imaginary line in the sky above Earth’s equator, on the March equinox. Every year on March 19, 20, or 21, this takes place.

Hari Raya Nyepi (Hindu New Year), National Holiday, 29 March Wednesday

Balinese Hindu New Year

Hari Raya Nyepi is the Balinese Hindu New Year.

Celebrated on March’s first new moon. It usually coincides with Ugadi in India.

Melasti, a Hindu Balinese purification ritual, occurs days before Nyepi. A village parade takes all sacred objects from their temple to an ocean or lake shore during Melasti. The sacred objects are purified with sea or lake water.

In Bali, Nyepi is celebrated in two ways.

In spring, the Lord of Hell sends all the devils to Bali, which must be expelled to purify the island before the new year.

People run through villages and towns with painted faces, making as much noise as possible.

Locals make massive papier-mache ‘Ogoh Ogoh’ effigies to drive away evil spirits. Ogoh Ogoh are paraded through towns and villages while face-painted people make as much noise as possible to scare away monsters. Effigies are burned in the evening, followed by dancing, drinking, feasting, and wild partying.

Hari Raya Puasa/Lebaran, National Holiday, March 31 and April 1

Eid ul Fitr is a time to share great food with family and friends

Indonesians call Eid ul-Fitr Lebaran. Every employee receives a legally required Tunjangan Hari Raya salary bonus to celebrate Lebaran.

Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Fast-breaking, to end Ramadan. The holiday marks the end of Ramadan’s 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting.

As Eid depends on the moon’s sighting, the global date may vary. Eid Al-Fitr dates may not be announced until close to Ramadan.

People call Eid al-Fitr the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” Fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan (“Sawm”) is one of Islam’s five pillars. Muslims believe Muhammad received the Qur’an during Ramadan.

Muslims pray “Salat Al Eid” on Eid Al-Fitr. The Eid call to prayer is silent. Muslims pray two “Rakat” prayers in mosques or open spaces. After prayers, the imam preaches for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for all.

Wearing new clothes, eating a date, and saying a takbeer on the way to the mosque are traditions.

Giving money to the poor (known as ‘Zakat al-Fitr’, depending on possessions), sending Eid greetings, and feasting with families are also important parts of Eid.

Many Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr to thank Allah for his strength and guidance during Ramadan to practice self-control.

Muslims greet this day with “Eid Mubarak,” Arabic for “blessed festival.” After Eid Mubarak, say “Khair Mubarak” to wish the greeter well.

First Eid al-Fitr was celebrated in 624 CE by Muhammad and his companions after their victory in Jang-e-Badar, a turning point in Muhammad’s struggle with the Quraish in Mecca.

The Turkic word for holiday, Bairam, is also used to refer to Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha, the holier Islamic festival, is the ‘Greater Bairam’, which is why it is called lesser.

Lebaran Traditions: As part of the mudik tradition, many Muslims return to their hometowns and villages before Lebaran, marking a major exodus. Every year, more than 33 million people go back home for the religious celebration.

Ketupat, or rice dumplings, are traditional Lebaran dishes that symbolize unity.

Good Friday, Public Holiday, 18 Apr Friday

In Indonesia, 10% of the population is Christian, Good Friday is a public holiday. Easter weekend is mostly for Christians, but Good Friday is a day off for everyone.

Churches, private homes, and hotels and resorts that cater to Christian tourists host most Easter events in Indonesia. There are some special events outside these walls, and Holy Week fundraising drives benefit the poor and needy.

Like other countries, Indonesia has Easter vigils, candlelight services, egg decorating, and the Easter Bunny. People also say, “Selamat Hari Paskah!” (Happy Easter!).

Visit the Gothic-style Jakarta Cathedral, built over a century ago, during Easter in Jakarta. Easter services are held in the cathedral by the Catholic archbishop.

The crucifixion of Christ has been reenacted on Flores’ eastern half since colonial times. Men are tied to large wood crosses and carried through the streets on Good Friday. Two statues of Mary and Jesus are also paraded through Larantuka to the Cathedral of the Queen of the Rosary.

Easter Sunday, Observance, 20 Apr Sunday

Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus’ resurrection from death

Easter Sunday is widely considered to be one of the most joyous occasions for Christians all over the world. The Christian bible describes the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and this event is a celebration of that event.

There is no public holiday observed on Easter Sunday. This event takes place on Sunday, April 20th, 2025, and the majority of businesses in Indonesia adhere to their typical Sunday opening hours.

International Labor Day, Public Holiday, 1 May Thursday

Indonesia celebrates Labour Day on May 1 to honor workers’ contributions to the economy and their long-fought rights.

International Labour Day began in the late 19th century to honor the Haymarket Massacre victims in the US.

Indonesians celebrated International Labour Day in 1920 to demand better worker rights and pay. The Indonesian working class valued International Labour Day even though it was not a public holiday. Indonesians casually celebrated International Labour Day on May 1 until 1967.

President Sukarno was overthrown by conservative military leader Suharto in 1967. The Indonesian people opposed this political change. The beloved Indonesian patriot Sukarno risked his life many times for his country. Many scholars believe Sukarno was overthrown for supporting socialism.

President Yudhoyono, the first direct-elected Indonesian president, declared Labour Day a public holiday in 2013. Indonesia celebrated Labour Day for the first time since 1966 on 1 May 2014.

Indonesia’s biggest Labour Day event is the Workers’ March. Every year, huge crowds march to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. Labour union uniforms are worn by Workers’ March participants. Flags and banners abound. Theater protests about Labour issues are common during the Workers’ March.

Waisak Day (Buddha’s Anniversary) (Tentative Date), Public Holiday, 13 May Tuesday

Waisak Day in Indonesia

Wesak Day is a sacred occasion for Buddhists. Indeed, it is regarded as the most sacred day in the Buddhist Calendar.

Buddha’s birthday is celebrated each year on the Sunday closest to the full moon in May. This holiday is celebrated by Buddhists globally, although the specific date may vary from one country to another.

Wesak Day is regarded as one of the significant festivals in Malaysia. Buddhism ranks as the second-largest religion following Islam.

In Indonesia, the holiday is referred to as Waisak Day.

Wesak holds significance as it commemorates three pivotal events in the life of Lord Gautama Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his attainment of Nirvana.

While followers of Buddhism have been observing Buddhist festivals for centuries, the choice to recognize Wesak as Buddha’s birthday was made during the inaugural conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in Sri Lanka in 1950.

Ascension Day of Jesus Christ, Public Holiday, 29 May Thursday

The 40th day of Easter commemorates Jesus’ ascension into heaven 39 days after Easter Sunday. It is also known as Holy Thursday, Ascension Thursday, or The Feast of the Ascension.

Tradition says Ascension Day was first celebrated in 68 AD, but the first written record is from 385 AD.

Ascension Day is mostly celebrated by Catholics and Anglicans. According to Western Christianity’s Easter calendar, Ascension Day can be celebrated on April 30 or June 3.

Celebrations for Ascension Day include:

Easter candle is extinguished.

Torches and banners may be used in processions and church blessings of fruits and vegetables.

The Catholic faithful must attend Mass on the Feast of Ascension, a holy day of obligation.

Pancasila Day, National Holiday, 1 Jun Sunday

Pancasila Day in Indonesia

Every year on June 1st, Indonesia celebrates Pancasila Day as a public holiday. Pancasila, the ideology of Indonesia’s government, is honored on this day.

The first president of Indonesia, Sukarno, delivered a historic speech in 1945 outlining five guiding principles for the new nation on June 1. This speech became famous and is celebrated on this day every year.

Following Sukarno’s speech, the five principles were rearranged to form the final version by the “Committee of Nine” fathers of modern Indonesia, which included Sukarno. This is how the Preamble to Indonesia’s Constitution incorporates the final, revised version of Pancasila:

The belief in one God

Just and civilised humanity

Indonesian unity

Democracy under the wise guidance of representative consultations

Social justice for all the peoples of Indonesia

Idul Adha (Tentative Date), Public Holiday, 7 Jun Saturday

Eid al-Adha, Eid ul Adha, Id-ul-Azha, Id-ul-Zuha, Hari Raya Haji, or Bakr-id is the most important Muslim feast.

Al Eid Al Kabeer—’Grand Eid’—is another name for the festival. This Eid is more important religiously because it lasts four days, compared to one day for Eid Al Fitr, even though most countries observe the same number of public holidays for both.

Many Muslims celebrate this festival to honor Prophet Abraham’s sacrifice for God.

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.

Lunar sightings determine the date, which may vary by country.

Eid al-Adha ends the Mecca pilgrimage. Three-day Eid al-Adha commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham) sacrifice of his son to obey God.

Jews and Christians know the Bible story. Muslims believe the son was Ishmael, not Isaac as in the Old Testament. Eid Al Lahma—’meat Eid’

A voice from heaven stopped Ibrahim from sacrificing his son, allowing him to make another ‘great sacrifice’, according to the Quran. The Old Testament sacrifices a ram instead of the son.

Islam considers Ishmael a prophet and Muhammad’s ancestor.

To commemorate Ibrahim’s obedience, Muslims sacrifice a cow or ram on Eid Al Adha. After eating a third, the family gives a third to friends and family and donates the rest to the needy.

Another Eid al Adha tradition is giving money, food, or clothes to the homeless or poor.

June Solstice Season, 21 Jun Saturday

Muharram / Islamic New Year (Tentative Date), Public Holiday, 27 Jun Friday

Indonesian Muslims celebrate Islamic New Year, which follows the lunar calendar. Muharram is Indonesian Islamic New Year.

This holiday celebrates Islam’s founding and Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. Islam’s founder, Muhammad, returned to Mecca after God asked him to spread Islam.

Polytheistic pagans shunned Muhammad and his followers in Mecca when they preached. Muslims and pagans grew in conflict. Muhammad had to lead his people from Mecca to Medina. This is the Hjira. Islam and the Islamic calendar begin with the Hjira.

Indonesians celebrate Islamic New Year with many customs. Many of these traditions are unique to Indonesia.

Many rural East Java Muslims offer food to God. Fruit, rice, and vegetables are typical. Gunungan, offerings, are centralized.

When all the offerings are collected, Larung Pendam Sadi is performed. This ceremony prays for luck. It also shows God that the community appreciates his agricultural bounty.

Many Pontianak Muslims will march long. These marches include prayers and life reflection.

Raksha Bandhan, Hindu Holiday, 9 Aug Saturday

Janmashtami, Hindu Holiday, 16 Aug Saturday

Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between siblings

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Raksha Bandhana, is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Shravana (Shravan Poornima), which is typically between the months of July and August. The festival is a celebration of the relationship between brothers and sisters, as well as families. There is another name for this day, which is Brother and Sister Day.

The public holiday known as Raksha Bandhan does not exist in Indonesia. There are standard hours of operation for businesses.

Indonesian Independence Day, Public Holiday, 17 Aug Sunday

Every August 17, Indonesia celebrates Independence Day, a patriotic public holiday honoring the country’s founding as an independent nation. Another name for it is Hari Merdeka.

Indonesia was a colony of the Netherlands until 1945. As Japan started to grow, its leaders chose to back an Indonesian independence movement in an effort to push the Netherlands outside of their sphere of influence.

The Japanese military worked with Achmed Sukarno and Muhammad Hatta to take back Indonesia from the Dutch government. Sukarno and Hatta thought their chance was running out when Japan submitted to the United States in 1945.

Sukarno declared the independence of Indonesia on August 17, 1945. Proklamasi Kerdekaan Indonesia is the name of the proclamation in Indonesian. Sukarno and Hatta used Japanese weapons and equipment to overthrow the Dutch government in Indonesia shortly after the proclamation was made public.

Although the Dutch were eventually forced out of Jakarta, fighting persisted until 1949 thanks to reinforcements. Weary of violence, the UN called for diplomatic measures to thwart the Netherlands’ plans to enter the war. Following a grueling ten weeks of deliberations, Indonesia was granted independence, and Dutch forces left East Asia. The United States of Indonesia was established in August 1949.

Learn more: Independence Day in Indonesia/Hari Merdeka (August 17): Dates, History, Celebrations

Ganesh Chaturthi, Hindu Holiday, 27 Aug Wednesday

Every year on Ganesh Chaturthi, the Hindu god of success and wisdom, Lord Ganesha, is honored on his birthday. It can last up to 10 days during the Hindu Month of Bhadra, which usually falls between the middle of August and the middle of September. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi.

Ganesh Chaturthi is on September 7, 2024, which is a Saturday. However, that is a work day. In Indonesia, most stores have set hours when they’re open.

Maulid Nabi Muhammad (The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) (Tentative Date), Public Holiday, 5 Sep Friday

It is a public holiday in Indonesia on the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. The Islamic lunar calendar tells us when this holiday, which is also called Maulid Nabi, takes place. The 12th day of the third Islamic month, Rabi’ al-awwal, is Maulid Nabi.

He was born in the city of Mecca in Arabia in the year 570 CE. Muhammad’s childhood was pretty calm, but in 576 CE, his mother died of sickness. Abu Talib, Muhammad’s uncle, took care of him after his mother died. Abu Talib raised Muhammad until he was an adult.

Maulid Nabi is marked by a lot of different Indonesian traditions. A tradition like this is the Grebeg Maulud, which is held in Indonesia’s big cities.

Details of the Grebeg Maulud can change depending on where you are, but from a public place to a mosque, cone-shaped offerings called gunungen are brought. The gunungen are blessed by clergy at the mosque and then given to the public.

Sibenik Maulud Ritual, which is one of the biggest and best known, takes place in Surakarta. The gunungen are taken from Kasunanan Surakarta Palace to Agung Mosque as part of this ceremony. The gunungen hold coins, processed snacks, and food grown on farms.

Navaratri, Hindu Holiday, 22 Sep Monday

Navaratri is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.

September Equinox Season, 23 Sep Tuesday

Dussehra, Hindu Holiday, 2 Oct Thursday

Even though Dussehra falls on 2 October 2025, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in Indonesia.

Diwali, Observance, 21 Oct Tuesday

Dipa oil lamps are often lit for Diwali celebrations

Diwali is also known as Deepavali, Dipavali, Dewali, Deepawali, or the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated in October or November each year. Diwali celebrations can last for about five days.

Diwali is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.

December Solstice Season, 21 Dec Sunday

Christmas Eve Observance, 24 Dec Wednesday

Many places around the world celebrate Christmas Eve, which is the day before Christmas Day. The Gregorian calendar puts it on December 24. It is a Christian holiday.

The Christmas Eve Joint Holiday is not a holiday. Businesses are open at regular times.

Christmas Day Public Holiday, 25 Dec Thursday

Christmas is popular in Indonesia, where 25 million Christians live. Indonesians call it Natal. Celebrated annually on December 25.

Portuguese traders and Dutch colonists likely brought Christmas to Indonesia. Dutch influence persisted in Indonesia after independence in 1949. Indonesian Christians and Christmas are obvious examples of Dutch influence on Indonesian culture.

Christmas concerts in Indonesia often feature Indonesian translations of Western songs. “Malam Kudus” is a popular Indonesian Christmas song. This is an Indonesian translation of the European and North American Christmas song “Silent Night”.

The Indonesian government celebrates heavily on December 24. This Celebration features live performances. The celebration’s main show features singing, dancing, and acting. The Indonesian government spends a lot on the National Christmas Celebration, so it often has great performances. Indonesian state TV always broadcasts the celebration.

Many Indonesian Christians attend Christmas Day church. Christmas Eve mass is common for Roman Catholics. Christian worship services include Bible readings and hymns. Popular Bible verses are from Isaiah, Luke, and Matthew. These worship services feature children reenacting the Biblical Nativity.

New Year’s Eve Observance, 31 Dec Wednesday

On December 31, the Gregorian calendar marks the end of the year. New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest celebrations in the world because it comes before the New Year. No matter where you are, count down to 2019.

There is no public holiday on New Year’s Eve. Businesses are open at regular times.

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