The Government Sets August 18, 2025 as a National Holiday to Celebrate Indonesia's Independence

Kapanlagi.com - The month of Indonesia's independence has arrived, bringing the spirit of celebrating the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence. The public's attention is now focused on the establishment of national holidays and joint leave.

The Indonesian government has set August 18 as a national holiday. This date falls one day after the commemoration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17.

This decision has garnered attention, considering its potential impact on public activities and the festivity of the independence celebration.

Find out about other national holiday information at Liputan6.com as well.

1. Official! August 18, 2025, Becomes an Additional National Holiday

August 18 (image by unsplash)

Good news comes from the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, August 1, 2025. The Indonesian government officially declares Monday, August 18, 2025, as a public holiday.

This announcement was made directly by the Deputy Minister of State Secretary (Wamensesneg) Juri Ardiantoro at a press conference.

"Monday, August 18, 2025, will be a holiday, providing freedom and opportunities for the community to hold competitions and other activities," said Juri at the press conference at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Friday (8/1).

This declaration is an inseparable part of the series of celebrations for the 80th Anniversary (HUT) of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, which peaks on August 17, 2025.

2. Details of the National Holiday and Joint Leave Declaration 2025

August 18 (image by unsplash)

Before the announcement of the holiday on August 18, 2025, the government has established a list of national holidays and joint leave for the year 2025. There are a total of 27 officially recognized holidays.

This determination is based on the Joint Decree (SKB) of 3 Ministers, namely the Minister of Religion, the Minister of Manpower, and the Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform. The SKB is numbered 1017 of 2024, Number 2 of 2024, and Number 2 of 2024, which was signed on October 14, 2024.

3. List of National Holidays and Joint Leave

August 18 (image by unsplash)

Based on the Joint Decree of 3 Ministers, the number of national holidays for the year 2025 is 17 days. This list includes various important national commemorations and religious celebrations celebrated by the entire community.

Here is the complete list of national holidays that have been established:

Wednesday, January 1, 2025: New Year 2025 AD
Monday, January 27, 2025: Isra Mi'raj of Prophet Muhammad SAW
Wednesday, January 29, 2025: Chinese New Year 2576 Kongzili
Saturday, March 29, 2025: Nyepi Day (Saka New Year 1947)
Monday-Tuesday, March 31 - April 1, 2025: Idul Fitri 1446 Hijri
Friday, April 18, 2025: Good Friday
Sunday, April 20, 2025: Easter (Resurrection of Jesus Christ)
Thursday, May 1, 2025: International Labor Day
Monday, May 12, 2025: Vesak Day 2569 BE
Thursday, May 29, 2025: Ascension of Jesus Christ
Sunday, June 1, 2025: Pancasila Day
Friday, June 6, 2025: Idul Adha 1446 Hijri
Friday, June 27, 2025: Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1447 Hijri
Sunday, August 17, 2025: Independence Proclamation
Friday, September 5, 2025: Mawlid of Prophet Muhammad SAW
Thursday, December 25, 2025: Birth of Jesus Christ
Complete List of Joint Leave 2025
In addition to national holidays, the government has also established 10 days of joint leave for the year 2025. This joint leave aims for efficiency and effectiveness of working days.

Here is the complete list of joint leave that has been arranged in the Joint Decree of 3 Ministers:

Tuesday, January 28, 2025: Chinese New Year 2576 Kongzili
Friday, March 28, 2025: Nyepi Day (Saka New Year 1947)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Monday, April 2, 3, 4, and 7, 2025: Idul Fitri 1446 Hijri
Tuesday, May 13, 2025: Vesak Day 2569 BE
Friday, May 30, 2025: Ascension of Jesus Christ
Monday, June 9, 2025: Idul Adha 1446 Hijri
Friday, December 26, 2025: Birth of Jesus Christ

4. Implications and Expectations of the Holiday Policy

However, the Minister of State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro did not explicitly explain whether the holiday on August 18, 2025, is part of the national holiday or a collective leave. The Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Ariyo Windutomo, added that details regarding the status of the holiday on August 18 are still awaiting an official decree.

However, several news sources have indicated that August 18, 2025, has been established as a national holiday, adding to the long list of holidays next year.

Special Provisions for Public Services

The Joint Ministerial Decree also regulates special provisions for work units or organizational units that provide direct services to the public. Institutions such as hospitals, community health centers, telecommunications services, electricity, drinking water, fire services, security and order, banking, and transportation are requested to arrange employee assignments on national holidays and collective leave in 2025.

This is important to ensure that essential services continue to run smoothly without interruption, even during holidays. The goal is to maintain the comfort and needs of the community.

Collective Leave for ASN and Private Sector
The implementation of collective leave for State Civil Apparatus (ASN) will follow the applicable statutory regulations. Meanwhile, for private institutions or agencies, the implementation of collective leave will be regulated by the leadership of each company.

It is important to remember that this collective leave will reduce the annual leave entitlement of employees according to the applicable regulations. This ensures a balance between the right to leave and work obligations.

5. FAQ regarding the establishment of the National Holiday on August 18

Q: How can I find out if a certain date is a national holiday?
A: To find out if a certain date is a national holiday, you can refer to the Joint Decree (SKB) of 3 Ministers.

Q: What is meant by joint leave?
A: Joint leave is an additional holiday granted by the government, usually related to religious holidays, which allows people to enjoy a longer break.

Q: Who has the authority to establish national holidays?
A: The government, in this case the President, has the authority to establish national holidays.

Q: Can workers refuse to work on national holidays?
A: Workers are not obliged to work on national holidays.

(kpl/mda)