Depok – The Vice President gave a special note for the nation’s journey in 2026. He called this year a special momentum that reflects the depth of tolerance and the strength of Indonesia’s unity amidst a dense calendar of major religious holidays.

The Vice President highlighted the unique phenomenon where the celebration of the Lunar New Year coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, as well as the close timing between the celebration of Hari Raya Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.

Diversity as the Nation’s Identity

For him, this calendar phenomenon is not merely a coincidence of timing, but an affirmation of the identity of the Indonesian nation, which is capable of living side by side in real harmony.

“This momentum affirms that Indonesia’s diversity is not something to be contested. On the contrary, it is the strength of a nation capable of living side by side in beautiful harmony,” he stated in his official remarks.

He added that the strong bonds of brotherhood above differences in ethnicity, tradition, and belief are a blessing that must be safeguarded by all elements of society. “As children of the nation, we have a moral responsibility to be grateful for and to nurture this diversity,” he emphasized.

A Message of Peace for Hindu and Muslim Communities

On the same occasion, the Vice President specifically conveyed congratulations to communities celebrating major holidays this March:

  • Hari Raya Nyepi (Saka 1948): The Vice President prayed that the silence of Nyepi brings new peace and wisdom for the Hindu community in their service to the nation.

  • Eid al-Fitr (1447 H): The Vice President conveyed congratulations to all Muslims and hoped for God’s mercy to always accompany Indonesia’s steps.

Strengthening National Brotherhood

Concluding his message, he hoped that the intersection of these major holiday moments would be a turning point for strengthening national unity. He invited the public to make this year’s celebrations of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr a foundation for strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among fellow citizens.

“May this moment serve as an important reminder for all of us to strengthen unity as brothers and sisters of one nation and one homeland,” he concluded.

Depok

Depok is a city in West Java, Indonesia, originally established in the 18th century as a private agricultural estate by Cornelis Chastelein, a Dutch East India Company official. Historically significant for its early Christian community and unique social structure, it has transformed from a quiet settlement into a major university city and bustling satellite city of Jakarta. Today, it is known for its educational institutions, such as the University of Indonesia, and its rapid urban development.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is a major annual festival celebrated across East Asia and in diaspora communities worldwide, marking the beginning of the lunisolar calendar. Its history dates back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty in China, rooted in rituals to honor deities and ancestors at the end of winter. The celebration is characterized by family reunions, symbolic foods, the color red, and traditions meant to usher in luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Ramadan

Ramadan is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a holy period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Its history dates back to 610 CE when, according to Islamic belief, the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month. The fast commemorates this revelation and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, intended to cultivate spiritual discipline and empathy for the less fortunate.

Hari Raya Nyepi

Hari Raya Nyepi, also known as the Balinese “Day of Silence,” is the most important Hindu holiday in Bali, Indonesia, marking the Saka New Year. Rooted in ancient Hindu traditions, it is a day dedicated to self-reflection, fasting, and meditation, where all normal activities cease to purify the island and drive away evil spirits. The day is preceded by vibrant purification rituals and parades featuring *ogoh-ogoh* (demon statues), which are burned the evening before Nyepi.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is a major Islamic religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Its history dates back to the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, and it is celebrated with communal prayers, feasting, charity, and social gatherings.

Saka 1948

“Saka 1948” refers to the tragic events of the Saka (incident) of 1948 in the history of the Indonesian police (Polri). It marks the day—September 1, 1948—when a large number of Indonesian police officers were massacred by Dutch forces during the Indonesian National Revolution, as they refused to surrender their weapons. This day is now commemorated annually as a day of honor and remembrance for the fallen officers.

1447 Hijriah

“1447 Hijriah” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a year in the Islamic lunar calendar, which corresponds roughly to 2025-2026 CE in the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, it does not have a history as a location, but it is a date that will be used by Muslims worldwide for religious observances and historical record-keeping.

Indonesia

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian archipelago of over 17,000 islands, historically shaped by powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit, followed by centuries of Dutch colonial rule. It is renowned for its vast cultural and natural diversity, including the iconic Borobudur Temple, Bali’s Hindu traditions, and its vibrant arts like batik and wayang puppetry. The nation declared independence in 1945 and is now the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.