Eid-al-Fitr in Jakarta: Faith & Community

Known locally as Labaran, the festival of Eid is more than just a religious holiday; it is a cultural phenomenon that has evolved over centuries, blending Islamic traditions with the unique customs of the Indonesian archipelago.

From the grand congregational prayers to the emotional homecoming of millions, Eid in Indonesia reflects the nation’s deep-rooted muslim faith and communal values.

Indonesia’s Eid traditions are deeply intertwined with the country’s Islamic history. The spread of Islam in the archipelago dates back to the 13th century, brought by traders from Gujarat, Persia, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Over time, the faith took root, coexisting with strong pre-existing Hindu-Buddhist influences and indigenous customs.

By the 15th century, the powerful sultanates of Java and Sumatra had embraced Islam, and religious festivals like Eid became central to communal life.

The earliest recorded accounts of Eid celebrations in Indonesia can be traced back to these sultanates, where grand feasts and prayers marked the occasion.

One of the earliest descriptions comes from Sejarah Melayu (The Malay Annals), which mentions the Islamic court rituals and festive gatherings of the Malacca Sultanate, which had close ties with the Javanese kingdoms.

Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital of just under 12 million people, offers a unique glimpse into modern Eid celebrations. The holiday begins with the takbiran—a night of chanting praises to God, accompanied by drum processions and fireworks. In the early morning, tens of thousands of worshippers gather at Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia’s largest , to perform the Salat Idul Fitri (Eid prayer). The main mosque building can hold up to 200,000 people.

Worshippers inside Jakarta's Istiqial Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia / image Unsplash

Eid in Jakarta is also marked by mudik—the mass exodus of city dwellers returning to their home towns and villages. It’s one of the biggest movements of people in the country and the government often prepares for this migration months in advance, setting up additional transportation services and security measures. In 2023 alone, the Ministry of Transportation estimated that nearly 123 million Indonesians took part in the mudik.

 One of the most cherished traditions is halal bihalal, a uniquely Indonesian practice of visiting elders and neighbors to seek forgiveness. The phrase “Mohon maaf lahir dan batin” (I seek forgiveness from the heart and soul) is exchanged as people reconcile past grievances and conflicts.

Food is at the heart of Lebaran, and each region in Indonesia has its own specialties. In Jakarta and Java, families prepare ketupat, the small rice cakes wrapped in palm leaves, served with rich coconut-based curries. In Sumatra, spicy rendang—the slow-cooked beef dish popular in NZ —is a staple, while in Sulawesi, it’s burasa, again small rice cakes similar to ketupat.

Mudik traffic : So many people are on the move that Jakarta's Metro TV has its own special reports - this one focussing on the toll road to the transport hub of Cikampek, east of Jakarta. / Image Metro TV

During the Dutch colonial era, Eid celebrations took on a new dimension. The Dutch administration recognised the significance of Eid for the Muslim majority and declared it a public holiday. However, colonial rule also sought to regulate religious practices, often restricting large gatherings to prevent political dissent. Despite these limitations, Eid remained a symbol of resilience and cultural identity for Indonesians.

Following independence in 1945, the first Indonesian President, Sukarno, emphasised the importance of national unity during Eid. Sukarno’s speeches often carried political undertones, and he used the occasion to reinforce his vision of “Nasakom” (the political ideology that sought to balance nationalism, religion, and communism), encouraging Muslims to support his broader vision for a post-colonial Indonesia.

Sukarno’s successor, General Suharto, institutionalised halal bihalal as a state-sponsored tradition, where government officials, political leaders, and military personnel would gather to exchange greetings. This practice continues today, with the President and key ministers hosting open-house events during Eid.

A huge electronic billboard celebrates Eid in downtown Jakarta / image AMC

In the digital age, Eid in Indonesia has taken on new dimensions. Social media plays a significant role, with Indonesians sharing greetings, family portraits, and festive meals online. Hashtags like #Lebaran2024 and #MudikAsyik trend annually, connecting people across the vast archipelago.

Public Eid celebrations have also grown in scale. Shopping malls and public spaces host takbiran parades, featuring traditional drum performances. In recent years, local governments have organized mass Eid prayers in city squares, ensuring that even those unable to travel home can partake in communal worship.

Eid in Jakarta and Indonesia is more than just a religious observance; it is a cultural and social phenomenon that encapsulates the nation’s rich heritage. From the historical roots of Islam in the archipelago to modern adaptations in the digital age, Lebaran remains a time of renewal, unity, and joy.

As millions gather in mosques, share meals, and embark on journeys home, one thing remains unchanged: the essence of Eid in Indonesia is about togetherness. Whether in Jakarta’s urban centre or the quiet villages of Sumatra, the celebration continues to be a testament to Indonesia’s enduring faith and communal spirit.

Asia Media Centre