Ramadan in Indonesia: The Holy Month Set to Begin on March 2

Rabat – The first day of the holy month of Ramadan 2025 is set to fall on March 2 in Indonesia, according to early astrological projections.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. As the Islamic calendar is lunar, the month falls on different days of the Gregorian calendar. 

Around 88% of Indonesia’s population, which is approximately 241 million people, are Muslims.

The holy month in the largest Muslim-majority country feels extra special. When the sun sets, families gather to break their fast, known as “buka puasa”. It’s a time to enjoy tasty treats and cool drinks like “es buah”, a sweet fruit drink. 

Popular dishes enjoyed during buka puasa include “kolak” (a warm dessert made with coconut milk and fruits), “soto” (a comforting soup with chicken or beef), “gorengan” (crispy fried snacks like tempura and fritters), and “nasi goreng” (fried rice with savory spices).

After fasting all day, Indonesians love to dig into “sate” (grilled skewers of meat) and “rendang” (a rich, spicy beef stew), which are often served at big family meals.

Ramadan is also a time for prayer. At night, people fill mosques for Taraweeh, special prayers. The sense of peace and togetherness is felt everywhere.

As Ramadan nears its end, the excitement builds. Many people travel home to see family in a tradition called “mudik”. They want to be with loved ones before the big celebration of “Hari Raya Idul Fitri”, when fasting ends and joy fills the streets.