Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) in Indonesia

Meaning and timing

Idul Adha is also called Hari Raya Haji and Idul Qurban in Indonesia. The holiday recalls the account of the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God, and the associated sacrifice is understood as an act of devotion. It falls on the same Islamic-calendar date each year, but that date moves in the Gregorian calendar; Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs determines the date through an official decision.[2][3]

Around the world, Eid al-Adha is associated with the Hajj pilgrimage and with Muslim worshippers commemorating Ibrahim’s devotion through prayer and, where performed, animal sacrifice.[3]

Public holiday and work

Indonesia’s Presidential Decree No. 8 of 2024 provides for religious and other holidays, including rules for civil servants who must work on a holiday for official duties.[1] Government holiday schedules are also issued through joint decisions by the ministers responsible for religious affairs, manpower, and administrative reform. Those decisions distinguish national holidays from collective leave, and direct essential public services—including banking, transport, utilities, and health services—to arrange staffing as needed.[2]

That means the holiday does not guarantee that every service closes. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go; essential services arrange coverage, while shops, schools, and local transport providers may follow their own schedules. Check directly before travelling or making a visit.[1][2]

Prayer, sacrifice, and sharing

A central observance is the Idul Adha prayer, followed in many communities by qurban, the ritual slaughter of an animal. Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs material describes the sacrifice as a sign of devotion and connects the holiday with the Hajj season.[3] Local guidance in Yogyakarta documents both communal prayers and the distribution of sacrificial meat, showing how the observance also involves practical community organizing.[4]

Qurban commonly involves sharing meat. In Yogyakarta, city guidance encouraged organizers to reduce plastic waste at prayer and meat-distribution sites, including by using reusable containers or locally available alternatives.[4]

What to expect

Expect prayer gatherings and organized qurban activities in participating communities. The scale and arrangements vary by locality. Holiday schedules can affect access to public offices and other services, so confirm opening hours and transport arrangements with the provider or local authority.[2][4]