How Ramadan is lived in Indonesia

Indonesia’s observance of Ramadan is uniquely diverse, shaped by the country’s vast archipelago and varied cultural traditions. Even as the core principles of the month remain consistent, the rituals, rhythms, and flavors of Ramadan differ significantly across islands, cities, and communities.

Jakarta

In the capital, Ramadan is characterized by crowded mosques and busy schedules. Congregations for Maghrib, Isha, and Tarawih prayers often extend beyond prayer halls, and many mosques provide takjil – light snacks – to worshippers before sunset.

Restaurants in malls are heavily booked for iftar, and residents commonly “hunt for takjil” from street vendors before sunset. Common iftar dishes include fried foods, biji salak, bubur sumsum, and kolak.

Ibu Mala notes that Ramadan in Jakarta is often more family-focused than community-oriented, with families gathering to break the fast and pray together. However, she also looks forward to sharing the experience with friends.

Solo

In Solo, Ramadan is interwoven with the city’s historical and cultural fabric, reflecting a blend of Javanese Islamic palace culture and other communities. The annual Kirab Malam Selikuran procession, held on the 21st night of Ramadan, welcomes Laylat al-Qadr with a royal procession carrying tumpeng and lanterns.

Rachel explains that Ramadan in Solo is inclusive, with non-Muslim neighbors often participating in iftar gatherings. She describes it as “a social contract of kindness.” Iftar tables in Solo feature serabi Solo, klepon, and kolak.

Aceh

Aceh, Indonesia’s only province implementing Islamic law regionally, observes Ramadan with a distinctly public character. Known as Serambi Mekkah, the province reorganizes daily life around the month, with restaurants closing during certain hours and prayer times dictating daily rhythms.

Families in Aceh organize shared iftar schedules, and large pots of bubur kanji rumbi are distributed to ensure everyone can eat with dignity. Before Ramadan begins, families observe Meugang, sharing meat like kuah beulangong and rendang.

Ibu Khairani reflects that Ramadan in Aceh is “lived together,” with children participating in mosque programs and Quran recitation filling neighborhoods.

Makassar

In Makassar, Ramadan strengthens relationships, with people inviting one another for iftar and exchanging dishes. Sahur meals often consist of fried dried salted fish, rice, sambal, and light vegetable soup, while iftar tables fill with Es Pisang Ijo, Barongko, Jalangkote, Coto Makassar, and Sop Konro.

Professor Dwia Aries Tina Pulubuhu notes that what stands out most is the importance of presence and gathering with loved ones.

Across Indonesia, Ramadan is not a singular experience but a collection of local traditions, from the Malamang celebrations in West Sumatra to the boat races in Riau. Despite the differences, a common thread of renewal, forgiveness, and a desire for connection unites the country’s diverse communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is takjil?

Takjil are light snacks eaten to break the fast, often distributed by mosques to worshippers arriving for Maghrib prayers.

What is Kirab Malam Selikuran?

Kirab Malam Selikuran is a royal procession held in Solo on the 21st night of Ramadan to welcome Laylat al-Qadr, featuring palace courtiers carrying tumpeng and lanterns.

What is Meugang?

Meugang is a tradition observed in Aceh before Ramadan begins, involving families buying, cooking, and sharing meat such as kuah beulangong and rendang.

How do the ways people observe Ramadan reflect their broader cultural values?