Laylat al-Mi'raj in Indonesia
Laylat al-Mi'raj is a national public holiday in Indonesia, listed in the government’s annual holiday calendar. Muslims mark it on 27 Rajab with religious gatherings that often focus on the story’s spiritual meaning and the importance of prayer.[1][2]
Meaning and date
The name refers to two parts of the account in Islamic tradition: the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey, Isra, and his ascension, Mi'raj. Indonesian religious speakers connect the event with the command to perform the five daily prayers, making prayer a frequent theme of commemorations.[4]
The observance follows the Islamic calendar date of 27 Rajab. Because that calendar is lunar, the corresponding Gregorian date changes from year to year; Indonesia’s government sets its public-holiday calendar through a ministerial joint decision.[2]
A national public holiday
Indonesia includes Laylat al-Mi'raj among its national public holidays. The annual calendar is set by a joint decision of the ministers responsible for religious affairs, manpower, and state administrative reform; official government service notices have cited that decision when explaining holiday closures.[1][2]
For employees of companies, a national public holiday is an official day off, and workers are not generally required to work. Employers may arrange work for continuous operations or, in certain circumstances, by agreement with employees; work performed on the holiday requires overtime pay.[3]
How people observe it
There is no single ceremony that every community must follow. Government religious-affairs offices report examples of pengajian, or religious study gatherings, held at mosques and schools, with a speaker reflecting on the event and its lessons. One reported gathering also opened with Quran recitation.[4][5]
The themes in these gatherings commonly include faith and the value of the five daily prayers. The examples documented by religious-affairs offices show local commemorations in educational and mosque settings; they do not establish one nationwide programme or a standard holiday meal.[4][5]
Work, services and travel
The government’s annual holiday decision provides for work arrangements in public-facing units, while an immigration office has documented suspending its services for the observance. Check the relevant office before visiting.[1][2]
Some employers may operate under the exceptions for holiday work, so travelers should check local arrangements with their workplace, service provider or transport operator.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Is Laylat al-Mi'raj a public holiday in Indonesia?
When is Laylat al-Mi'raj observed?
It is observed on 27 Rajab in the Islamic calendar. Its Gregorian date changes each year, so consult the official calendar for the relevant year.[2]
Do workers get the day off?
Workers are generally not required to work on a national public holiday. Some continuous operations or agreed work may continue, with overtime pay required for holiday work.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Laylat al-Mi'raj in Indonesia:
- Peringati Isra Mikraj, Imigrasi Karawang Tutup Pelayanan, Buka Kembali Hari Senin- Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Non TPI Karawang, Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia
- Keputusan Menteri Ketenagakerjaan Nomor 2 Tahun 2025 tentang Hari Libur Nasional dan Cuti Bersama Tahun 2026- Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia
- Surat Edaran Menteri Ketenagakerjaan Republik Indonesia Nomor M/6/HK.04/XII/2024 tentang Pelaksanaan Libur Nasional dan Cuti Bersama pada Perusahaan- Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia
- Pengajian Isra Mi’raj MAN 1 Yogyakarta: Salat sebagai Benteng Moral di Era Modern- Ministry of Religious Affairs, Yogyakarta City Office
- MTsN 4 Sleman Gelar Pengajian Maknai Peristiwa Isra Mikraj- Ministry of Religious Affairs, Sleman Regency Office