With the approach of Ramadan, schools across Indonesia are set to observe early holidays starting this week. According to recent announcements, the holiday period will align with the Islamic holy month and extend through the celebration of Idul Fitri 1446 H.
The Indonesian government has officially designated the start of school holidays for Ramadan 2025, beginning on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Families are urged to mark their calendars and prepare for this time of observed fasting and celebration.
Abdul Jamal, the Head of the Education Department of Pekanbaru, articulated the local decision, noting, "Hari ini para siswa sudah mulai libur untuk menyambut awal Ramadan," which translates to "Today, students are already on holiday to welcome the start of Ramadan." This holiday schedule aims to accommodate students' needs during the auspicious month.
According to the Joint Circular (SEB) issued by the ministries of Education, Religion, and Home Affairs, the holiday period provides students with time off prior to the fasting month and continues to respect the observances linked to Idul Fitri.
The detailed schedule of holidays includes:
- Thursday, February 27, 2025: Early Ramadan holiday begins
- Friday, February 28, 2025: Early Ramadan holiday
- Saturday, March 1, 2025: Early Ramadan holiday
- Following weekends and additional holiday days will continue throughout March until the end of Ramadan.
- Post-Ramadan, students will have time off leading up to Idul Fitri, which is expected around Monday, March 31, 2025, followed by holiday breaks until April 9.
After the prolonged holiday, students will resume their education on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. It is important for families to note these dates, as they are not typically found on standard calendars. Parents and students are encouraged to take note of these special dates to avoid missing important information.
Abdul Jamal added to his earlier remarks, explaining the necessity for early holidays, stating, "TOT ini digelar selama dua hari, hingga Kamis (27/2/2025)...," referencing Training of Trainers (TOT) for educators aimed at preparing teachers for Ramadan's unique educational challenges.
This training session, scheduled concurrently, showcases the government's commitment to ensuring educators are well-prepared to teach students throughout the holy month. The two-day training is set to occur at Masjid Al Firdaus, under the guidance of the Pekanbaru government.
While these holidays are uniformly scheduled across the nation, local authorities may adjust the timetable based on their specific educational needs. Families should remain vigilant and confirm details with local educational institutions to stay updated.
Emphasizing the cultural importance of Ramadan, this holiday schedule allows students not only to observe their faith but also provides educational institutions the opportunity to empower teachers through specialized training. The measures taken reflect Indonesia's deep-rooted commitment to education and cultural observance.
With the anticipation surrounding Ramadan and the ensuing festive periods, families are urged to embrace this spiritually significant time, cherishing both the festive moments and the time for reflection it brings.
Looking forward, it is evident the approaches taken to align educational calendars with sacred observance effectively nurture student learning and cultural appreciation.
Mark your calendars and prepare for both reflection and celebration as Ramadan 2025 approaches and school cultures adapt accordingly!