Indonesia: Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) holiday June 11-20

Event

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began on May 16, is likely to come to an end at sundown on Thursday, June 14 (depending on the moon). A government holiday for Eid al-Fitr runs from Monday, June 11, through Wednesday, June 20. During this time, operations in Muslim-majority areas of Indonesia will come to a virtual standstill as Muslims gather to pray and celebrate with family and friends in observation of Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr celebrations will have an impact on businesses, stock exchanges, and services (including administrative services), many of which will close or significantly reduce their hours of operation beginning on June 11. As this period is typically marked by increased travel, heavy road traffic after sundown along with other transportation disruptions (crowded airports, etc.) is to be anticipated. Though no specific terror threats have been tied to Eid al-Fitr have been publicized, there is a heightened risk of terror-related activity during the period, as is the case with other high-profile public celebrations.

Context

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of a month of dawn-to-sunset fasting and remains one of the most important dates on the Muslim calendar. Generally speaking, the month of Ramadan is historically marred by a significant increase in terrorist threats and as such there is a potential for attacks to be carried out during Eid celebrations. 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.

Indonesia has been on high alert for months due to the extant terrorist threat. Islamic State-inspired groups and lone-wolf assailants have carried out a series of mostly low-level attacks over the past few years. IS claimed responsibility for a series of bombings perpetrated in Surabaya and Sidoarjo on May 13-14. At least 12 people were killed in the bombings, with 55 others suffering injuries. There are fears that such entities could step up attacks following the return of hundreds of Indonesians who had gone to Syria to fight with IS, following the group's recent territorial losses in the region.

Advice

Individuals in Indonesia are advised to allow for additional travel time, to remain vigilant, and to avoid large public gatherings.

According to various Western intelligence security assessments, there is a high threat from terrorism in Indonesia. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country. Past attacks have included suicide bombing and shootings, targeting public and crowded places. Individuals throughout the country are advised to be particularly vigilant during high-profile periods, when large numbers of people typically gather and would-be attackers know the symbolic impact of a successful attack would be particularly high. Travelers are advised to maintain a high level of situational awareness and to report any suspicious behavior.