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These are the Indonesian holidays in December (2020)

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Indonesia

Holidays are a very important part of everyone’s life, to escape the hectic life and rejuvenate the mind. Since the year-end holiday is just around the corner, Indonesians (and everyone else) are eagerly waiting to take a break from their monotonous life.

So let’s dive right into it, but first with a brief understanding of how it is in Indonesia.

 

Indonesia Holiday Types

In Indonesia, there are four types of public holidays throughout the year. They can be:

  1. religious
  2. national
  3. international
  4. commemorative

Tanggal Merah, or the red dates on the calendar, is a holiday when government offices, educational institutions, banks, and most businesses are closed.

 

Fun Fact

Indonesians can usually enjoy long holidays, because their government allows them to apply for collective leave! They usually take their collective leave on a Monday or Friday, and before or after a national holiday so they can enjoy a long weekend. Smart.

They call their joint or collective leave as Cuti Bersama, which simply means an expanded holiday. It is also called Hari Kejepit Nasional, which means “squeezed in national days” in their language.

 

Although the worldwide pandemic and the increasing number in new cases of Covid-19 is an alarming fact, an online booking service has found that about 75% of Indonesians have plans to travel at the end of the year!

 

So, what Indonesian public holidays are there in December 2020?

  • Cuti Bersama (Christmas Eve) on December 24 (Thursday)
  • Christmas Day on December 25 (Friday)
  • Cuti Bersama on December 28-31 (Monday-Thursday)

85% of the Indonesian population is Muslim, and about 10% of is Christian. This may sound little to you, but 10% actually translates to 20 million people in Indonesia! The government leaves no stones unturned, so they declare it a public holiday.

The government also declares extra days off before and after Christmas so that the Indonesian Christians can enjoy their time to the fullest. They can go for church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day without rushing!

 

Indonesian Holiday Culture

Indonesians usually spend their Christmas holidays on tours with their family, friends, and dear ones.

As Indonesia is a transcontinental country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, they are famous for its attractive tourist places. It consists of more than 17,000 islands and many more tourist attractions with a diversity of cultures and scenarios. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in the bliss of Bali, or wander in the streets of Jakarta during their break?

 

Read more: Can foreigners buy property in Indonesia?

 

As a matter of fact, the policy of these extended holidays is introduced to promote domestic tourism. Many hotels in the tourist areas, especially in Bali, proffer special discounts for the expatriate residents during these long weekends - for great exotic escapes from regular life.

 

Now that time flew by and December has just begun, the most awaited year-ending holidays are coming near to the people of Indonesia! Tis’ the season to have a nice and warm holiday. Enjoy this year while staying safe, Indonesia.


Now I’d like to hear from you:

Which Indonesian holiday does your country enjoy too?

Or maybe we missed out on a holiday.

Either way, let us know by sending in your enquiry right below now!

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