Eid al-Fitr 2026: Celebrations in Indonesia | Xinhua News Agency
Muslims across Indonesia marked Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with prayers and gatherings, though regional variations in the sighting of the new moon led to differing observance dates in some areas. Photographs from Semarang, Central Java, showed worshippers posing for selfies after prayers, although images from Jakarta depicted people gathering before performing the Eid al-Fitr prayers.
The holiday, known popularly as Lebaran in Indonesia, celebrates the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It encompasses both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and is considered one of the major national holidays in the country. While the official holiday period is typically two days, the government often designates additional days as bank holidays, and many Indonesians capture extended leave from work during this time.
In Semarang, differences in the timing of Eid celebrations were reportedly met with a focus on strengthening community solidarity, according to local reports. The varying dates of observance did not disrupt the solemnity of prayers in the region.
Traffic on toll roads around Semarang was notably lighter than usual for Eid, according to a report from Kompas TV. The report showed relatively empty stretches of highway, a contrast to the typically heavy traffic associated with the “mudik” – the annual exodus of people returning to their hometowns for the holiday.
The traditions surrounding Lebaran are diverse across the Indonesian archipelago. In Java, the Grebeg Syawal tradition is observed, adding a unique cultural element to the festivities. The holiday is characterized by family gatherings and the serving of traditional foods such as ketupat, sayur lodeh, opor ayam, rendang, sambal goreng ati, and emping, alongside peanuts, and candies.
The etymology of the term “Lebaran” remains somewhat unclear, though it is believed to be derived from the Javanese word “lebar,” meaning “finished,” referencing the completion of the fasting period. Other theories suggest origins in the Sundanese word “lebar,” meaning “abundance,” reflecting the plentiful food served during the celebrations, or the Betawi word “lebar,” meaning “wide and broad,” symbolizing the broadening of one’s heart after Ramadan. The Madurese people also apply a similar word, “lober,” to signify the end of the fast.