Jakarta. This year’s Ramadan has been confirmed to begin on Thursday, Feb. 19 by the Indonesian government. For Indonesians, Ramadan is always an important and meaningful time. Beyond its religious significance, the holy month offers a deeper look into local culture, as traditional events, food rituals, and communal activities take place across the country.

What Is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam and the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims believe that during this month the Quran was revealed as guidance for humanity, offering moral direction and spiritual salvation.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting, abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. Fasting is meant to build self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and spiritual closeness to Allah. The month is also marked by increased prayer, reflection, charity, and stronger family and community ties.

Why Ramadan Matters in Indonesia

Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population. According to World Population Review, more than 242 million Indonesians — around 12.3% of the global Muslim population — are Muslim as of 2024. Muslims account for roughly 87% of Indonesia’s population, helping explain why Ramadan is observed nationwide with great enthusiasm.

Ramadan Traditions in Indonesia
Ramadan in Indonesia is not only about worship and fasting. It is also a month filled with togetherness, local customs, and a distinctive atmosphere.

Ngabuburit
Ngabuburit, a Sundanese term meaning “waiting for maghrib,” refers to activities done in the late afternoon before breaking the fast. Popular among young people, it often includes casual walks, street food hunting, or social gatherings.

Because of ngabuburit, traffic in Jakarta and other major cities often becomes congested in the late afternoon. Offices and schools typically close earlier than usual, allowing people time to find food for iftar.

Takjil
Takjil refers to light snacks or drinks consumed to break the fast. Across Indonesia, vendors sell takjil along roadsides, in markets, and near mosques, creating a lively pre-sunset scene enjoyed with friends and family.

Some takjil items are unique to certain regions. In Manado, North Sulawesi, a popular Ramadan specialty is steamed bread with coconut milk. Despite its name, the dish resembles a rolled pancake filled with pampis — a mixture of noodles and shredded smoked skipjack tuna — seasoned with garlic, shallots, and herbs such as basil or mint.

Another iconic Ramadan dish is kolak pisang, a sweet dessert made from bananas cooked in coconut milk, palm sugar, and pandan leaves. Kolak is widely associated with Ramadan and is rarely found outside the fasting month.

Sahur Keliling
Sahur keliling is a tradition in which groups walk through neighborhoods before dawn, playing bedug drums or wooden instruments to wake residents for the pre-fast meal.

Health educator and physician Tirta Mandira Hudhi advises that the quality of sahur is more important than portion size. He recommends protein and fiber-rich foods such as eggs, chicken breast, fish, vegetables, avocado, and dates to help maintain fullness and stabilize blood sugar throughout the day.

Mudik and THR
Ramadan also brings economic and logistical pressures. Food prices often rise due to increased demand, particularly for staples such as rice, cooking oil, chili, sugar, flour, and fish.

At the same time, employers across Indonesia are required to pay an annual religious bonus known as Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR), usually equivalent to one month’s salary. The payout boosts consumer spending and helps families cover higher food costs, travel expenses, and holiday preparations. However, it can also contribute to short-term inflation as demand for food, transportation, and retail goods surges during Ramadan and the Eid period. 

Transportation demand also increases as millions travel to their hometowns for Ramadan and Eid celebrations, a tradition known as mudik. Government data show that 154.62 million people traveled during the 2025 Eid period, significantly higher than typical holiday seasons.

No Partying
Public life in Indonesia also changes noticeably during Ramadan, particularly in major cities such as Jakarta. Authorities in the capital have announced that nightclubs, discotheques, bars, and several other adult entertainment venues will be required to close during much of the holy month to respect religious observance and maintain public order.

The policy is part of Jakarta’s annual Ramadan regulations, which aim to balance religious sensitivities with economic activity. While most nightlife venues suspend operations, restaurants, cafes, and hotels are generally allowed to operate with adjusted hours, particularly after sunset.