Introduction:

Idul Fitri, also known as Lebaran, marks the joyous culmination of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. In Indonesia, particularly in the bustling capital of Jakarta, it’s a time of immense celebration, family reunions, and spiritual reflection. For expats new to the country, understanding the traditions and customs surrounding Idul Fitri can provide valuable insight into Indonesian culture and help them navigate this significant holiday with respect and appreciation. This article aims to guide you through the essence of Idul Fitri in Indonesia, offering practical advice and cultural insights.

The Significance of Ramadan and Fasting:

Ramadan, the month preceding Idul Fitri, is a period of intense spiritual discipline for Muslims. It involves fasting from dawn to dusk, engaging in increased prayer, and performing charitable acts. The core purpose of fasting is to purify the soul, cultivate self-discipline, and develop empathy for those less fortunate. It also serves as a means of strengthening one’s connection with God. Muslims wake before dawn for “sahur,” a pre-fast meal, and break their fast at sunset with “iftar.” It is important to know that not all Muslims are required to fast. Children, the elderly, pregnant or menstruating women, and those with certain medical conditions are typically exempt. During Ramadan, while the majority of the population fasts, many restaurants in Jakarta will remain open, often with curtains or screens placed in windows to prevent passers-by from looking inside. If you are in an office or other environment where most of the staff are fasting, it is courteous to be mindful of eating and drinking in front of them, as this may be considered offensive to some.

Idul Fitri Day: Traditions and Celebrations

 Morning Prayers and Family Gatherings: Idul Fitri day itself is a vibrant and festive occasion. The morning begins with special prayers, “Salat Id,” held at mosques or large open spaces throughout Jakarta. Families dress in their finest attire, often new clothes, and gather to seek forgiveness and exchange greetings.

The “Mudik” Tradition: A significant aspect of Idul Fitri is the tradition of “mudik,” where millions of people travel back to their hometowns to reunite with family. This massive exodus which normally starts a week before the holiday but can peek two days prior to the holiday can lead to significant traffic congestion. Any form of transportation will be extremely busy during this time.  If you do have travel plans you should be prepared for potential delays.

“Halal Bihalal”: Seeking Forgiveness: Another central tradition is “halal bihalal,” a practice of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation from family, friends, and colleagues. The common greeting “Minal Aidin wal Faizin,” meaning “May we be among those who return [to a state of purity] and achieve victory,” is frequently exchanged.

Culinary Delights: Food plays a pivotal role in Idul Fitri celebrations. “Ketupat,” diamond-shaped rice cakes wrapped in woven palm leaves, “opor ayam,” a flavorful chicken stew in coconut milk, “rendang“, a spicy beef dish, and various traditional sweets are staples of the holiday feast. Boxes of dates are also everywhere as breaking the fast with dates is seen as a way of connecting with the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and enhancing the spiritual experience of Ramadan.

 A huge selection of sweet drinks are also offered to break the fast with. Many pop up sellers will line the road starting from 4:00 pm onwards with home-prepared drinks or snacks to sell to people passing by to break their fast with. Sharing these culinary delights with family and friends is an integral part of the celebration. These items will appear on menus or specials during this time.

“THR”: Holiday Bonuses: The giving of “THR” (Tunjangan Hari Raya), a mandatory holiday bonus (typically one month’s salary) that should be paid by employers ideally 10 days before the holiday. This is a much-anticipated tradition, particularly for employees and household staff. If you are working closely with someone, such as a driver or housekeeper, however, they are not under your employment, it would still be a nice gesture to give them a small hamper or cash bonus. Even though you do not personally celebrate the holiday, it is a time of the year that your generosity is appreciated.  

Expat Etiquette and Participation

Respectful Behavior: For expats, navigating Idul Fitri requires cultural sensitivity and respect. Acknowledging the holiday with a simple “Selamat Idul Fitri” (Happy Idul Fitri) is a thoughtful gesture. Being mindful of prayer times and avoiding loud noises near mosques is also essential.

Business and Travel Considerations: During Idul Fitri, many businesses and government offices may be closed or have reduced hours. Typically there will be an announcement of “cuti bersama” or collective leave announced by the government where many businesses and schools will be closed for at least a week. Many people will combine their personal holidays with official days off to extend the holidays to 2 weeks.  Business will typically return to normal two weeks after the holiday. It’s advisable to plan accordingly. Traffic within the major cities will be surprisingly light and very easy to get around however any tourist attractions or roads heading out of the cities can be extremely heavy.

Accepting Invitations:

If you’re fortunate enough to be invited to an Idul Fitri gathering, accept the invitation as a gesture of goodwill and cultural immersion. Dress modestly and respectfully, as you would when visiting any religious site. For men, long pants and a collared shirt are appropriate, while women should opt for clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Embrace the opportunity to try traditional Idul Fitri foods and show genuine interest in the local customs and traditions.

Flexibility and Patience: Flexibility and patience are also crucial during this period, as schedules may be disrupted due to the holiday. People may be working at a slower pace or attention spans may not be as focused as normal due to the fasting. If you are returning home from the office be mindful of the breaking fast times and perhaps adjust your travel times accordingly.

Gift Giving: Gift-giving is a significant aspect of Idul Fitri. Leading up to the holiday, stores and supermarkets are flooded with hampers and boxes of food, which are exchanged amongst family, friends, and colleagues. If you have people working for you, they will most likely be expecting a gift from you. If you have not been in the country for a full year, it is perfectly acceptable to prorate the gift accordingly. While it is government regulation that a bonus of one month’s salary (THR) be given to all employees, you may still choose to offer an additional gift or gesture of generosity to those who work closely with you. This will be greatly appreciated and fosters positive relationships. This could also extended to people that you see daily in your apartment building or trash collectors or security people.  It is a good idea to keep a record of what you gave to whom each year, as this will set expectations for future Idul Fitri celebrations.

Conclusion: Idul Fitri is a time of immense joy, forgiveness, and community spirit in Jakarta. By understanding and respecting the traditions and customs surrounding this significant holiday, expats can deepen their appreciation for Indonesian culture and build meaningful connections with their local communities. It’s a fantastic time to experience the warmth and hospitality that Indonesia is renowned for. May this Idul Fitri bring happiness and blessings to all.