Is 13 July a Public Holiday? Here's the Explanation

The date of 13 July has been officially designated as Belief in the One and Only God Day. The designation was made by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in East Jakarta, together with the Indonesian Supreme Council for Belief in the One and Only God (MLKI), on Monday (6/7/2026).

Fadli Zon said the designation is a responsibility arising from the mandate of the law and the constitution. That constitutional mandate is set out in Article 32 paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution, which reads: “The State shall advance Indonesia’s national culture in the midst of world civilisation by guaranteeing the freedom of society to maintain and develop its cultural values.”

He noted that Law Number 5 of 2017 on the Advancement of Culture also serves as one of the legal foundations for the decision.

“The designation of Belief in the One and Only God Day reminds us all that Indonesia is built upon a foundation of diversity, tolerance and respect for the dignity of every citizen,” Fadli said.

“And as has been repeatedly stated, the state is present to ensure that every citizen has an equal space to practise their beliefs, preserve traditions and pass on noble values to the next generation. This designation also reflects the government’s commitment to fulfilling the rights of followers of indigenous belief systems,” he continued.

Is 13 July a public holiday?

The date of 13 July was chosen for Belief in the One and Only God Day because of its historical significance, one being the session of the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence (BPUPKI).

“The designation of 13 July is a historic one, because it is linked to the great session of 13 July 1945, when our constitution was being deliberated,” he said.

Following the designation of 13 July as Belief in the One and Only God Day, Fadli has not yet decided whether the date will become a national holiday.

“Although if it were offered, many would certainly want it, but the holiday could perhaps later, if it is pursued, be made optional. In any case, we see this as an important step, particularly as a form of recognition and a milestone proposed by MLKI, which brings together more than 100 organisations,” he said.

As such, there is no definitive decision yet on whether 13 July, which coincides with Belief in the One and Only God Day, will be a public holiday or not.

Proposed since 2005

The Director-General of Cultural Protection and Traditions, Restu Gunawan, said the designation of Belief in the One and Only God Day went through a long process. He noted that MLKI first submitted the proposal in 2005.

“So, to the Minister, I report that discussions on the proposal for Belief in the One and Only God Day have been under way since 2005. Since 2005. So, alhamdulillah, under the Minister’s leadership, followers of indigenous beliefs can now have their own Belief Day,” Restu said.

“These discussions involved followers of indigenous belief systems and various belief organisations under the Indonesian Supreme Council for Belief in the One and Only God (MLKI), facilitated by the Directorate of Belief in the One and Only God and Indigenous Communities,” he added.