The History of a Full Month School Holiday During Ramadan, From the Colonial Era to Gus Dur

Kapanlagi.com - Recently, discussions about school holidays during Ramadan have come back into the spotlight, especially ahead of the government policy planned for 2025. This issue invites nostalgia for many, recalling the times when schools were closed for a full month across various government eras.

History notes that the policy of school holidays during Ramadan is not a foreign concept. In the past, during the Dutch colonial era and under the leadership of President Abdurrahman Wahid, affectionately known as Gus Dur, this full holiday became a reality. However, under President Sukarno's administration, this policy was limited, and during President Suharto's era, school holidays during Ramadan were halted as it was deemed "dumbing down".

Now, the issue of school holidays has resurfaced, but President Prabowo's administration has decided not to implement a full month holiday. Instead, they are offering a week-long holiday at the beginning of Ramadan. So, what has been the actual journey of the full month school holiday during this holy month? Let’s take a look at the complete information summarized by Kapanlagi.com on Wednesday, January 22.

1. Full Ramadan Holidays Once Applied in the Dutch Colonial Era

In an intriguing historical account, museumkepresidenan.id reveals that during the Dutch colonial period, the colonial government implemented a policy of a full month holiday during Ramadan, a move that reflected their understanding of the needs of the predominantly Muslim indigenous population. Although not all educational institutions received similar treatment, students from the Hollandsch Inlandsche School (HIS), including Hogere Burgerschool (HBS) and Algemeene Middelbare School (AMS), were allowed to observe fasting with devotion.

This policy aimed not only to provide time for Muslims but also as a strategy to maintain social stability amidst a community engaged in fasting. "The fasting holiday policy was implemented by the Dutch colonial government to their affiliated schools from the elementary level (HIS) to the upper secondary level (HBS and AMS)," the site writes, highlighting the significance of the holy month for the community's life at that time.

2. Adjusted in the Era of President Soekarno

After Indonesia gained independence, President Soekarno introduced smart policies that transformed how society observed the holy month of Ramadan. Wisely, the government rescheduled various official and unofficial activities, providing opportunities for Muslims to worship peacefully.

Schools were not completely closed, but rather adjusted to meet the spiritual needs of the Ramadan month, where several holidays were given at the beginning and end of the holy month, while other days continued to be used for educational activities that aligned with the spirit of religion.

This policy demonstrated Soekarno's vision of striving to create a balance between national education and respect for the traditions of the majority religion, and it was positively received by the community, who felt they gained flexibility without sacrificing the teaching and learning process.

3. Policies in the Era of President Soeharto

In the midst of changing times, President Suharto took a bold step by shortening the duration of the Ramadan holiday to enhance educational productivity. Under the guidance of the Minister of Education and Culture, Daoed Joesoef, this policy was formalized through Decree No. 0211/U/1978, which emphasized the importance of utilizing holiday time for more beneficial activities.

Daoed firmly stated that long holidays, such as those implemented during the colonial period, would only hinder the spirit of national development and potentially become a means of ignorance. Despite receiving sharp criticism from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and various circles, the policy remained in effect until the end of Suharto's era, with a primary focus on educational efficiency that served as the foundation for the decision.

4. A Full Month Holiday Returns in the Gus Dur Era

When Abdurrahman Wahid, affectionately known as Gus Dur, led Indonesia, he revived the policy of a full month Ramadan holiday in 1999. By granting schools the freedom to suspend classes for students, Gus Dur encouraged them to fill this time with intensive religious study, allowing students to deepen their religious knowledge and perform their worship more devoutly.

This policy not only reflected Gus Dur's concern for the spiritual needs of the Muslim community but also became a symbol of tolerance and respect for religious diversity in the homeland. Unfortunately, the era of Megawati Soekarnoputri brought changes, where a similar approach to that of Suharto's era was reimplemented, altering the face of the policy.

5. Ramadan Holiday Policy 2025 in the Joint Decree of 3 Ministers

In 2025, the Indonesian government will introduce an interesting policy through a Joint Circular (SEB) of three ministers that regulates the learning schedule during the month of Ramadan. School learning activities will take place from March 6 to March 25, while independent learning is scheduled for February 27-28 and March 3-5. The joint holiday for Idul Fitri will begin on March 26 and last until April 8, providing an opportunity for students to celebrate this joyous day with their families.

This policy not only demonstrates the government's commitment to maintaining a balance between education and the spiritual needs of students but also encourages schools to hold activities that strengthen faith, such as intensive religious classes and religious studies. With this step, it is hoped that students can remain productive during Ramadan without neglecting the opportunity to deepen their spiritual values.

"There will also be a clause that regulates how students of religions other than Islam will be accommodated," said Minister of Education and Culture Abdul Mu'ti, as reported by ANTARA.

6. When was the first time a full month of Ramadan holiday was implemented?

During the Dutch colonial era, an interesting tradition was created: a Ramadan holiday that lasted for a full month. This was a historic moment when the community celebrated the holy month with great enthusiasm, making each day full of meaning and togetherness.

7. What distinguishes Gus Dur's Ramadan holiday policy from Soeharto's?

Gus Dur took a bold step by granting a full month of holiday, while Soeharto opted for a stricter approach by limiting the holiday to only a few days.

8. What is the main purpose of the Ramadan holiday policy in 2025?

This policy serves as a bridge connecting formal education with the spiritual needs of the community during the holy month of Ramadan, creating a balanced harmony between the development of knowledge and the strengthening of faith.

9. Will a full month of holiday during Ramadan be implemented again?

Currently, the idea of a full holiday during Ramadan is just a dream, as the government prefers a combination approach between learning at school and independent activities.

(kpl/srr)