Indonesia: Ramadan celebrations to start May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27, Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Though practices can vary by country, many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

Indonesia is home to a large population of hardline Muslims, who have proved to be intolerant of any perceived disrespect of their religion. Tens of thousands of Muslims gathered in Jakarta in April 2017 (following other large related demonstrations in previous months) to demand the imprisonment of the capital’s former governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama for misquoting a verse from the Quran. Sporadic unrest may break out in Muslim-majority areas if practices are not respected, especially in Jakarta, Maluku, and Central Sulawesi.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly over weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Additionally, expect tight security measures in major urban areas due to a heightened terror threat. In 2016, Islamic State (IS) called on its members to perpetrate attacks coinciding with Ramadan. Some regional terrorist groups followed suit.

Finally, local authorities typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion. Nearly 88 percent of the Indonesian population is Muslim, 72 percent of which support sharia law, a legal code based on the Quran and other Islamic scripture, as official law of the land in their country.

Advice

Individuals in Indonesia are advised not to eat, drink, or smoke in public by day during this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.