21 April Marks Kartini Day: Are Schools Closed? Check the Regulations
21 April is commemorated as Kartini Day in Indonesia. This moment is often celebrated in various regions with diverse activities, including in school environments and government offices.
As one of the important national days, many wonder whether Kartini Day is a holiday, especially for educational units. Here is an explanation of the regulations based on official government rules.
Schools Are Not Closed on Kartini Day, 21 April
Referring to Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 108 of 1964, 21 April is designated as Kartini Day. However, the provisions do not state that Kartini Day is a national holiday.
In addition, referring to the Joint Decision of 3 Ministers (SKB) on national holidays and collective leave, 21 April 2026 is not listed as a national holiday or collective leave. This means that officially, Kartini Day is not a holiday.
Therefore, schools will still operate on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. Teaching and learning activities will proceed as usual. Although not a holiday, schools generally still commemorate Kartini Day through various educational activities.
Kartini Day Commemoration Activities in Schools
Commemorations of Kartini Day in schools are usually filled with various thematic and educational activities. These activities are adjusted to the policies of each educational unit.
Some common examples of activities include:
Flag-raising ceremonies commemorating Kartini Day
Competitions for traditional attire or kebaya
Speech or poetry reading competitions about Kartini
Student arts and creativity activities
These activities aim to foster the spirit of emancipation, creativity, and appreciation for the struggles of Indonesian female figures. A Brief Overview of Kartini Day Commemoration on 21 April
Kartini Day is commemorated to remember the struggles of Raden Ajeng Kartini in advocating for women’s rights, particularly in the field of education. The designation of Kartini Day on 21 April is based on R.A. Kartini’s birth date, which was then established through Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 108 of 1964.
Kartini’s spirit remains relevant to this day, especially in promoting equality of opportunities and access to education for all society. Kartini’s thoughts were greatly influenced by the social conditions of her time, which positioned education as an important means for national progress.
Although not designated as a holiday, the commemoration of Kartini Day remains an important moment to introduce the values of struggle and the spirit of emancipation to the younger generation. Through various activities in schools, Kartini Day is still celebrated without halting the teaching and learning process.