Chinese New Year in Indonesia
Chinese New Year, known locally as Imlek, is a national holiday in Indonesia and a longstanding tradition of Chinese Indonesian communities. Its place in the national calendar reflects both the holiday’s roots in Indonesian society and the country’s recognition of cultural and religious practice.[1][3]
A national holiday with Indonesian roots
Indonesia’s President established Imlek as a national day in 2002. The decree described it as a tradition celebrated across generations in different parts of Indonesia and linked its recognition to the right to practise religion, belief and custom. A government cultural heritage article says it has been a national public holiday since 2003.[1][3]
The holiday is included in Indonesia’s annual national holiday calendar. Government rules also allow units that provide direct public services to arrange staffing, so how a particular service operates may depend on its institution.[2]
A changing calendar
Imlek follows the Chinese lunisolar calendar, so its date changes from year to year in the Gregorian calendar. It falls between January and February, according to a cultural heritage article by Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture.[3]
Indonesia’s annual holiday calendar lists Imlek as a national holiday. Check the calendar for the relevant year for its date and any separately designated joint leave; the decree treats national holidays and joint leave as distinct entries.[2]
Celebrations across Indonesia
Imlek is part of the cultural life of Chinese Indonesian communities. During the Reformasi era, Imlek and Cap Go Meh celebrations could be held openly in Tanjungpinang.[3]
Indonesia’s national decree recognized the tradition as one celebrated in multiple regions. That makes the holiday’s Indonesian story broader than a single local practice, while leaving room for regional and family differences.[1]
Planning around the holiday
The national holiday listing makes Imlek a relevant day to check before arranging appointments with government offices or other services. The annual decree provides for staffing arrangements at units that serve the public.[2]
For travel or errands, check directly with the office, business or transport operator you plan to use.[2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Chinese New Year a public holiday in Indonesia?
Why is Imlek recognized nationally?
The 2002 presidential decree recognized it as a national day, citing its longstanding celebration in different parts of Indonesia and the importance of religious, customary and cultural practice.[1]
When does Chinese New Year fall?
The date changes each year because Imlek follows the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It falls between January and February in the Gregorian calendar.[3]
Are offices, shops and transport open?
Schedules can vary. The annual decree allows service units to arrange staffing. Check opening times with the office, business or transport operator before you go.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Chinese New Year in Indonesia:
- Keputusan Presiden Republik Indonesia Nomor 19 Tahun 2002 tentang Hari Tahun Baru Imlek- President of the Republic of Indonesia; document hosted by Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan
- Keputusan Menteri Ketenagakerjaan Nomor 2 Tahun 2025 tentang Hari Libur Nasional dan Cuti Bersama Tahun 2026- Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan Republik Indonesia
- Menelusuri Jejak Etnis Tionghoa di Tanjungpinang- Balai Pelestarian Kebudayaan Wilayah IV, Direktorat Jenderal Kebudayaan, Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset dan Teknologi