It’s important to include the holiday schedules when making plans for the year. Consider it a crucial part of your goal-setting, especially if work-life balance is on your list. Start the year right by taking note of the official Indonesia holidays in 2023.
Indonesia has four types of public holidays: religious, national, international, and commemorative. In addition to these public holidays, Indonesia also has collective leave days. All in all, the country has 24 free days off work, which should give workers plenty of opportunity to relax, spend more time with loved ones, and observe traditions.
In this blog, we’ll list down the Indonesia holidays 2023, including both national holidays and joint leave days. We’ll also provide you with some ideas on how to spend these free days, should you be eligible for all of them.
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Indonesia Public Holidays 2023
Indonesia observes 16 public holidays which reflect the country’s diversity. On these public holidays, government offices, agencies, banks, and most private businesses will be closed.
Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR)
With respect to the religious diversity of the country, the government has imposed each business’s obligation to pay its employees a religious holiday allowance known as Tunjangan Hari Raya or THR. THR is a yearly bonus that employees receive a week before the religious holiday they observe. For Indonesia holidays 2023, the Ministry of Manpower has imposed that businesses pay the THR in full. For the last two years, the government has allowed some businesses to delay or pay THR in installments.
THR is equivalent to a 1-month salary for employees who have worked with the company for 12 months or more. For those who have worked for less than 12 months, their THR is calculated on a pro-rated basis.
The recognized religious holidays are:
- Eid-il-Fitr for Muslims
- Christmas for Catholics and Protestants (considered two different religions in Indonesia)
- Nyepi for Hindus
- Vesak for Buddhists
- Chinese New Year for Confucianists
Who is eligible to receive THR?
Companies are obliged to include the THR in their local employees’ employment packages, whether they’re permanent or contract-based. Freelance workers, provided they’ve worked continuously with a company for 12 months or more, stand to receive a THR as well. Their rate is based on the average salary they’ve received within those 12 months. For foreign workers, offering the THR is the company’s prerogative.
Indonesia Collective Leave Days 2023
In addition to Indonesia holidays 2023, the country’s public servants also have collective or joint leave days, also known as Cuti Bersama. The collective leave days are forced leaves, meaning they’re deducted from the civil servants’ available annual leave entitlements. While this is not mandated for employees of private companies, the private companies themselves still encourage their workers to take collective leave days. Collective leaves are typically placed next to national holidays as a way to expand the holiday.
Ideas for Indonesia Holidays 2023
Plan your vacations around public holidays and collective leave days. If you want a longer holiday, expand them using your own annual leave allowances.
Longer holiday breaks
If you have the option to take more than 3 days off work, here are a few great ideas to enjoy:
1. Island-hopping
Indonesia is an archipelago with more than 18,000 islands. If you haven’t yet explored islands outside your own, it’s high time you do it now. The best of the best include Karimunjawa north of Central Java, Komodo National Park which has the world-famous Pink Beach, and Lombok, which sits almost next to crowded Bali.
2. Hiking
If you want a more challenging holiday break, hiking one of the country’s numerous peaks rewards your workout with amazing vistas. Most islands will have their signature mountains, so you can include them in your island-hopping agenda.
3. Off-road trip
Up for some adrenaline rush? Off-road tourism is booming in Indonesia and is a must-try for lovers of speed. If you’re going on a Bali holiday this 2023, squeeze in an off-road trip to Mount Batur.
4. Quick trip to nearby countries
With Malaysia and Singapore being just quick plane rides away, you can easily squeeze in a weekend abroad. Planning ahead lets you take advantage of the many promo flights available.
Short holiday breaks
If you’re on a short 1-day or 2-day holiday, there are still plenty of activities you can do.
5. Day trips
Choose destinations you can easily reach by car, public transport, or ferry. Some examples, if you’re based in Jakarta, are the Mekarsari Fruit and Recreation Park, Central Bogor, and Bandung.
6. Be a tourist in your home city or town
If you’re coming home for the holiday or staying in the city, now’s a good chance to get to know the place you live in. Go to a museum, discover a new restaurant, or search for the city’s top tourist spot.
Special Bali Holiday 2023: Holy Day of Silence or Nyepi
Nyepi or Holy Day of Silence is celebrated throughout Indonesia, but it’s specially sacred as a Hindu holiday for the Balinese. So if you’re in Bali during the 2023 holiday and are not familiar with the customs, here are a few reminders:
- The entire island observes a period of total silence between Wednesday, 22nd March 6am, and Thursday, 23rd March 6am.
- No one is exempt. During the period of total silence, everyone is expected to stay at home, turn off the lights, and stay silent.
We all deserve a break given the challenges of the past few years. So, instead of organizing your vacations at the last minute, make holiday planning a part of your goals this 2023.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Indonesia Holidays 2023
Q: How many holidays are there in Indonesia 2023?
A: Indonesia has 16 public holidays in 2023. On top of these holidays, the country also observes 8 collective leave days.
Q: What is the most important holiday in Indonesia?
A: As a religiously diverse country, Indonesia does not have one most important holiday. The country does observe a highly prestigious Independence Day on August 12th.
Q: What are the 10 most celebrated holidays around the world?
A: The 10 most celebrated holidays around the world are, in no particular order:
- Christmas
- Hanukkah
- New Year
- Ramadan
- Chinese New Year
- Easter
- Valentine’s Day
- Diwali
- Halloween
- Bodhi Day
