Indonesia to Issue Circular on School Activities During Ramadan 2025
The Indonesian Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, announced that a circular regarding school activities during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan will be issued no later than next week. The draft, which has already been completed, involves collaboration among five ministries, including the Coordinating Ministry of Human Progress and Culture, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Ministry of Interior, and the Presidential Staff office.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Friday, January 17, 2025, Mu’ti confirmed that the draft is awaiting signatures from three key ministers: the Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Minister of Interior, and the Minister of Religious Affairs. “god willing, it’ll be ready next week because the draft is complete,” he said, though he did not provide further details about the proposed Ramadan learning concept.
The Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education has been considering three options for the Ramadan school holiday mechanism,all of which are based on community feedback and have yet to be finalized.
Three Proposed Options for Ramadan School Holidays
Table of Contents
- Three Proposed Options for Ramadan School Holidays
- The Collaborative Process Behind the Circular
- Understanding the three Proposed Options
- Public Participation and democratic Decision-Making
- Global Context: Lessons from Other Countries
- Looking Ahead: The Road to Implementation
- Final Thoughts: Balancing Education and Faith
| Option | Description |
|————|—————–|
| 1. full Month Holiday | schools would close for the entire month of Ramadan, with religious activities scheduled in the community. |
| 2. Partial Holiday | Schools would close at the beginning and end of Ramadan, similar to previous years. “Usually two or three days until the end (after) the homecoming series.That’s what’s happening now,” Mu’ti explained. |
| 3. No Special Holiday | Students would follow a regular holiday quota, with no special breaks for Ramadan.Schools would operate as usual.|
mu’ti emphasized that these proposals reflect public aspirations and are part of a democratic process. “Well, but the point is that these are all suggestions emerged among the community. We certainly monitor these proposals as part of public aspirations, which are healthy in the context of democracy because there is public participation in making public policy,” he said.
The upcoming circular is expected to provide clarity on how schools will operate during Ramadan in 2025, balancing educational needs with religious observance. For more updates on this developing story,click here.
This decision comes amid growing discussions about how educational systems can better accommodate religious practices,as seen in other countries where schools are increasingly recognizing Ramadan to support Muslim students.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Indonesian government finalizes it’s approach to balancing education and faith during this sacred month.
Headline:
Balancing education and Faith: Expert Insights on Indonesia’s Ramadan School Circular for 2025
Introduction:
As Indonesia prepares to issue its circular on school activities during Ramadan 2025, the nation is at the forefront of a global conversation about balancing education with religious observance. The Ministry of Elementary and secondary Education, lead by Minister Abdul mu’ti, has drafted the circular in collaboration with multiple government bodies, aiming to address public aspirations and ensure a fair approach to the sacred month. To delve deeper into this topic, World Today News Senior Editor, Maya Rahman, sits down with Dr. Ahmad Faisal, an expert in education policy and religious studies, to discuss the implications of the proposed measures and their broader importance.
The Collaborative Process Behind the Circular
Maya Rahman: Dr. Faisal, thank you for joining us today. The circular on school activities during Ramadan involves collaboration among five ministries. Can you elaborate on why such a multi-stakeholder approach is necessary?
Dr. Ahmad Faisal: Absolutely, Maya.This multi-stakeholder approach is crucial because Ramadan is not just a religious observance; it has cultural, social, and educational dimensions. The involvement of ministries like Religious Affairs,Human Progress and Culture,and Interior Affairs ensures that the policy is comprehensive and addresses the needs of all stakeholders. It reflects the Indonesian government’s commitment to inclusivity and its recognition of Ramadan’s significance in the lives of millions of students and their families.
Understanding the three Proposed Options
Maya Rahman: The draft outlines three options for school holidays during Ramadan: a full-month holiday, a partial holiday, or no special holiday. What are the pros and cons of each approach?
Dr.Ahmad Faisal: Each option has its merits and challenges. A full-month holiday allows students to fully immerse themselves in religious activities and family traditions, which is valuable for their spiritual development. However, it could disrupt the academic calendar and lead to learning gaps.
A partial holiday, which has been the norm in previous years, strikes a balance by allowing students to observe Ramadan while maintaining some continuity in their education. However, it may not fully accommodate the needs of all families, especially those who prefer a more extended break.
The no special holiday approach ensures that the academic year remains uninterrupted,which is beneficial for meeting educational targets. However, it may overlook the importance of Ramadan in students’ lives and could lead to challenges for those fasting during school hours.
Ultimately, the decision will require careful consideration of these trade-offs.
Public Participation and democratic Decision-Making
Maya Rahman: Minister Mu’ti emphasized that these proposals reflect public aspirations and are part of a democratic process. how significant is public input in shaping such policies?
Dr. Ahmad Faisal: Public input is absolutely vital.Policies like these directly impact communities, and their voices must be heard to ensure the measures are both effective and fair. The fact that these proposals emerged from community feedback highlights the government’s commitment to participatory governance. It also fosters trust between the public and policymakers, as people feel their concerns are being addressed.
Moreover,this democratic approach aligns with Indonesia’s broader values of unity in diversity. It shows that the government is striving to respect and accommodate the religious practices of its citizens while maintaining national educational standards.
Global Context: Lessons from Other Countries
Maya Rahman: This decision comes amid growing discussions globally about how educational systems can better accommodate religious practices. Are there lessons Indonesia can learn from other countries?
Dr. Ahmad Faisal: Definitely. many countries with significant Muslim populations have introduced measures to support students during Ramadan. For example, some schools in the United States and the United Kingdom offer flexible schedules, quiet spaces for prayer, and accommodations for fasting students.
Indonesia can draw inspiration from these examples to create a policy that not only respects religious observance but also ensures that students’ educational needs are met. this could include adjusting school timings, providing resources for spiritual development, and fostering an inclusive environment where students feel supported.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Implementation
Maya Rahman: Once the circular is finalized, what do you think will be the biggest challenge in implementing it?
Dr.Ahmad Faisal: The biggest challenge will be ensuring consistency across regions while addressing local variations. Indonesia is a vast and diverse country, and what works in one area may not be suitable in another. Effective dialog and coordination between the central government and local authorities will be essential.
Additionally, schools will need adequate resources and guidance to implement the new measures smoothly. training for teachers, awareness campaigns for parents, and clear guidelines for students will all play a crucial role in the accomplished execution of the policy.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Education and Faith
Maya Rahman: Lastly, Dr. Faisal, what message would you like to convey to educators, parents, and students as this policy takes shape?
Dr. Ahmad Faisal: My message is one of collaboration and understanding. This policy is about finding a harmonious balance between education and faith, which are both integral to the development of our youth. Educators, parents, and students must work together to ensure that the implementation is successful and that the needs of all stakeholders are met.
Ultimately, this initiative reflects Indonesia’s commitment to upholding its cultural and religious values while advancing its educational goals. It’s a testament to the power of dialogue and cooperation in creating policies that truly serve the people.
Maya Rahman: Thank you, Dr. Faisal, for your valuable insights. This conversation has shed light on the complexities and significance of this important policy decision.
Dr. Ahmad Faisal: Thank you, Maya. It’s been a pleasure discussing this critical issue.
Closing Paragraph:
As Indonesia prepares to finalize its approach to school activities during Ramadan 2025, this interview highlights the thoughtful consideration and collaborative efforts behind the policy. Stay tuned to World Today News for further updates on this developing story.
