18 August Not a Collective Leave Day

Deputy Home Affairs Minister (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto has explained that the government has not designated 18 August 2026 as a public holiday or collective leave day for state civil apparatus (ASN).

However, he said regional governments have been asked to provide convenience for members of the public who still wish to hold people’s parties in the context of commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day on 18 August 2026.

“From the State Secretariat (Kementerian Sekretariat Negara) it was conveyed that all regions are asked to provide convenience if there are residents who wish to hold people’s parties. So the schedule is somewhat flexible,” Bima said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Monday.

Bima stressed that the policy does not mean establishing collective leave or a public holiday. The government is only asking government offices and related parties to provide space for the public to continue independence celebration activities.

According to Bima, the appeal is not only directed at government agencies. Private parties may also provide leeway for employees if they wish to hold or take part in Independence Day celebration activities.

“Yes, it is just an appeal. Indeed, it means it is not mandatory, but company leaders and others, if they want to hold people’s parties or 17th August activities, can still do so tomorrow,” Bima said.

Bima emphasised that the provision of flexibility is carried out in the context of maintaining public togetherness in celebrating independence.

“The context is togetherness, yes, people’s parties,” he concluded.