Indonesia, a major Asian tourism destination, drew over 700,000 international visitors in the first half of 2023. Tourists typically visit during the dry season from May to September, attracted by the clear skies, warm weather, and vibrant locales, including popular spots like Bali and Lombok. For those seeking a fresh experience beyond the peak tourist season, visiting during national public holidays offers a unique perspective. During these times, you can enjoy street celebrations and historical sites, experiencing Indonesia just as the locals do.
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Independence Day – August 17 (Every Year)
August 17 is commemorated as Independence Day or the Founding Day of the Republic of Indonesia. On August 17, 1945, Indonesia’s founding fathers, President Soekarno, and Vice President Mohammad Hatta read the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence against Japanese occupation. The proclamation was broadcasted nationally from Pengangsaan Timur 56 Road in Central Jakarta. Every year, Indonesians celebrate this Independence Day holiday with great enthusiasm, from holding a flag ceremony in schools and institutions, to various public festivals and competitions like a cracker-eating contest, tug of war, climbing races, etc.
You can also watch live from your hotel’s TV as the President gives a State Speech from the National Palace (Istana Negara) to officially start the full-day celebration. And if you want to know more about the history behind Independence Day, you can visit these places:
Tugu Proklamasi (Proclamation Monument)
The Proclamation Monument is located in the Proclamation Park Complex or formerly known as Pengangsaan Timur 56 Road. Yes, it’s the same place where President Soekarno read the proclamation text! You can also see the huge statues of Soekarno-Hatta standing side by side here.
- Location: Jl. Proklamasi No.10, RT.10/RW.2, Pegangsaan, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10320
- Opening Hours: 06.00 – 21.00 WIB (GMT +7)
- Fee: Free
Museum Joang 45 (Joang 45 Museum)
This museum keeps the historical records of Independence Day as this is where President Soekarno, VP Moh. Hatta, Mr. Sayuti Melik, and Mr. Ahmad Soebarjo compiled and formulated the proclamation text. It also houses important artifacts from Indonesia’s struggle for independence against Dutch colonial rule. You can also enjoy a tour of the museum and ask questions to the tour guides who are usually former combatants and historical experts.
- Location: Jl. Menteng Raya No.31, RT.1/RW.10, Kb. Sirih, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10340
- Opening Hours: Tuesday (8AM – 4PM), Wednesday (8AM–4PM), Thursday (11AM–2PM), Friday (11AM–2PM), Saturday (11AM–2PM), Sunday (8AM – 4PM)
- Fee: Rp 2.000/ 0.14 USD (Children), Rp 3.000/ 0.2 USD (Students) dan Rp 5.000/ 0.3 USD (Adult)
Idul Fitri or Lebaran Holiday – April 1 – 22, 2023
Idul Fitri or Eid al-Fitri is a big holiday in Indonesia celebrated among the Muslim community. It’s symbolized as a moment of victory after going through the fasting period (puasa) for about a month by controlling their carnal desires in the month of Ramadhan. In addition, Idul Fitri is also a moment where the family gathers, children come home to their home villages, and everyone celebrates gratitude and forgiveness together.
Festivities start the night before chanting the Takbir and parading on the streets. People also usually wear new clothes and eat a special Lebaran meal like ketupat or rendang. You can also give children money in envelopes as it’s a tradition for adults to share some joy by giving money. Locals also like to use this time to have a family trip, so if you want to experience this Muslim holiday too, you can try and visit:
Masjid Istiqlal (Istiqlal Mosque)
The Istiqlal Mosque (literal meaning: Merdeka Mosque) is the national mosque of Indonesia located in the former Wilhelmina Park, northeast of Medan Merdeka Square near the National Monument (Monas), in the center of the capital city of Jakarta. This mosque is one of the ten largest mosques in the world with a capacity that can accommodate more than 200,000 people. Visitors are generally domestic tourists in addition to some foreign Muslim tourists. However, don’t worry, non-Muslims can also visit here, although some parts are limited and a guide must accompany you.
- Location: Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta
- Opening Hours: 04.00 – 21.00 WIB (GMT +7)
- Fee: Free
- Official website: https://www.istiqlal.or.id/
Taman Ismail Marzuki (Ismail Marzuki Center)
Jakarta Arts Center Taman Ismail Marzuki, popularly known as Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) is an art and culture center located at Jalan Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta. Also in the TIM complex are the Jakarta Arts Institute and the Jakarta Planetarium. TIM has six modern theatres, an exhibition hall, a gallery, an archive building, and a cinema. You can enjoy arts and cultural events here performed in the arts center, including drama performances, traditional dance, wayang, poetry readings, painting exhibitions, and many more. The name of this art center comes from the name of the famous Indonesian songwriter, Ismail Marzuki.
- Location: 8, Jl. Cikini Raya No.73, RT.8/RW.2, Cikini, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10330
- Opening Hours: 08.00 – 23.00 WIB (GMT +7)
- Fee: Free Entrance Ticket, Koma Theater (Rp 60.000,00- Rp 500.000,00), Jakarta Planetarium (Rp 5.000,0- Rp 12.000,00)
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uppkjtim
Nyepi – March 23, 2023
Bali lovers out there may have already known about Nyepi Day. Commemorated every Saka New Year (Balinese calendar) by the Hindhu community, Nyepi is one of the famous holidays in Indonesia where Hindus all over the island will fast and meditate to control their human desires and focus on their inner peace. They are not allowed to work, go outside the house, watch TV or other forms of entertainment, and for some, no talking or eating at all.
If you visit Bali during this day, you will see little to no activity in the streets and public places. So what can you do as a tourist? Well, actually… nothing, since you’re advised to follow the local rules and stay inside your hotel since airports, malls, and beaches are closed. However, once this day passes, you can start exploring cultural and religious sites to celebrate the Nyepi period. One place you surely can’t miss during your holiday to this beautiful island is:
Tanah Lot Temple
Everyone who has come to Bali will certainly agree this is one of Bali’s most popular and sacred Pura (Hindhu temples). It’s located about 30 km from the capital city Denpasar. The beautiful temple is built on a large cliff rock overlooking the ocean, similar to another temple, the Uluwatu Temple. As one of the most popular holiday destinations in Bali, it can be pretty crowded, especially during the evening as people like to see the spectacular sunset view on the ocean. In some corners of the coral reefs around the temple, there are tame snakes that the local people believe as temple guards against evil spirits.
- Location: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121
- Opening Hours: 06.00 – 19.00 WIB (GMT +7)
- Fee: Domestic Tourists: Children (Rp15.000) Adult (Rp20.000), International Tourists: Children (Rp30.000) Adult (Rp60.000)
- Official Website: https://tanahlot.id/
TourTeller’s Pick! – Tanah Lot Tours
The top recommended places to visit during the top 3 holidays in Indonesia were hand-picked just for you. Don’t forget to do your research and follow the latest health protocol regulations before starting your amazing holiday in Indonesia.
