Indonesia Announces 2026 Ramadan and Eid School Holiday Schedule
Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of Religion, and Ministry of Home Affairs have jointly released a circular outlining the academic calendar for students during the 2026 observance of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, aiming to balance religious observance with continued educational opportunities. The official announcement, formalized through a Joint Circular Letter (SEB), provides detailed guidelines for regional governments and educational institutions.
Four-Day Break to Begin Ramadan Observance
Students across Indonesia will begin a four-day school holiday starting February 18, 2026, and concluding on February 21, 2026, marking the initial phase of the Ramadan period. During this time, students are encouraged to continue their studies independently within their families, places of worship, and local communities, with assignments provided by their schools.
A senior official emphasized that these independent learning assignments should be accessible and engaging, stating, “Assignments should not be a burden on students, especially those requiring significant costs or extensive internet access. They should be simple, enjoyable, and family-friendly, avoiding any financial strain.”
Ramadan Learning and Spiritual Enrichment
Following the initial holiday, learning activities will resume from February 23 to March 14, 2026, for approximately three weeks. This period will integrate traditional academic subjects with activities designed to foster spiritual growth and character development.
For Muslim students, the circular recommends participation in activities such as Al-Qur’an recitation, Islamic boarding school experiences, and Islamic studies. Non-Islamic students are encouraged to engage in spiritual guidance activities aligned with their own faiths and beliefs. Schools are also directed to adjust learning activities during Ramadan by reducing the intensity of physical activities like sports and scouting, and by prioritizing formative assessments to monitor student progress. Special attention will be given to students with special needs or those at risk of falling behind.
Extended Eid al-Fitr Holiday
The Eid al-Fitr holidays in 2026 will span ten days, from March 16-20 and March 23-27, with students returning to school on March 30, 2026. This extended break provides families with ample time for celebration and travel.
Prioritizing Student Safety and Well-being
Beyond the academic schedule, the SEB also addresses the importance of student safety and well-being during the holidays. Schools are instructed to secure school assets, including ICT equipment and facilities, and to establish reporting channels for parents or guardians with safety concerns.
Parental Guidance and Digital Responsibility
The circular also outlines the role of parents in supporting their children during the holidays. Parents are encouraged to engage their children in the “7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children,” which include religious studies, reading, games promoting logic and creativity, and participation in arts, sports, and cultural activities.
Furthermore, parents are advised to establish clear guidelines for cellphone and internet usage, including setting time limits, monitoring online activity, and directing children towards positive and educational content while avoiding harmful materials like violence, pornography, and bullying.
Minister of Basic Education Abdul Mu’ti underscored the importance of collaboration, stating, “We invite all local governments, educational units and parents to work together. Ramadan must be a space for strong character education, while ensuring that children’s learning rights are still fulfilled optimally.”
The full text of SEB 3 Ministers can be accessed [here](link to SEB 3 Ministers – placeholder). This comprehensive plan aims to ensure a balanced and enriching experience for Indonesian students during the significant religious period of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
