JAKARTA, Indonesia – As the holy month of Ramadan begins on Saturday, Muslims across Indonesia are bustling through markets purchasing sweets and new garments, while participating in traditional festivities that set the tone for this sacred period.
In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, Ramadan is celebrated with vibrant nighttime parades, family grave cleaning, and the preparation of both pre-dawn and elaborate post-sunset meals known as “iftars.” Within the archipelago’s 17,000 islands, varied traditions symbolize the commencement of Ramadan, a month during which Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity between sunrise and sunset. Even a minor sip of water or a quick inhale of smoke can disrupt the fast, but the evenings are reserved for social gatherings and joyous feasting.
Friday evening, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar confirmed the start of Ramadan, following crescent moon observations in Aceh, Indonesia’s westernmost province. Immediately after, mosques swelled with worshippers performing “tarawih,” evening prayers marking the first night of Ramadan. At Jakarta’s Istiqlal Grand Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, worshippers assembled in cramped rows, shoulder to shoulder.
Ramadan fasting serves to enhance one’s connection to God while fostering empathy for the impoverished. Muslims are encouraged to observe daily prayers strictly and engage in intensified religious reflection. Curbing gossip, fighting, or cursing is also emphasized during the month.
Across the nation, traditional celebrations echo. Among them is the torchlight procession in Tangerang, near Jakarta, where Samsul Anwar, along with his wife and nephew, joined hundreds through narrow streets, brandishing torches, flares, and harmonious Islamic tunes accompanied by the rebana, a traditional handheld drum. “Every year we welcome Ramadan with a tradition passed through generations,” Anwar explained.
This year, Chinese Indonesian communities contributed through the spirited “barongsai,” or lion dance, traditionally seen during the Chinese New Year. The performance, backed by vibrant drums and trumpets, was aimed at fostering unity between Chinese and Muslim people, Anwar noted, promoting religious tolerance.
From a commercial perspective, Ramadan spells opportunity. Hotels, eateries, and cafes unveil special Ramadan deals, while families surge shopping centers for Eid al-Fitr, which signifies Ramadan’s end, purchasing new attire and home decorations. As is custom, children delight in new clothes and gifts.
Nonetheless, some Muslims face concerns about financial strains due to rising costs. “Everything related to cooking increases in price daily,” stated Asih Mulyawati, a mother residing in Tangerang. “I fear how this will alter Ramadan festivities.”
Despite price climbs over recent weeks, bustling markets, like Jakarta’s Tanah Abang, remain active, with patrons buying clothing, footwear, cookies, and confections for the celebration. Indonesia’s Trade Ministry attributes rising costs of staple imports like wheat, sugar, beef, and soybeans to global price hikes and disruptive supply chains.
Yet, it’s not just imported items affected—local essentials such as rice, eggs, chili, palm oil, and onions see price rises too, with some attributing the hikes to government policies on gas and electricity prices. “The recent economic downturn and severe weather exacerbate price surges and erode consumer buying power,” remarked Heru Tatok, a vendor at Jakarta’s Pasar Senen market.
