Is Kartini Day a National Holiday or Not? Check the Red Dates for April 2026
Kartini Day is commemorated every April, specifically on 21 April. As the observance approaches, many people are seeking to determine whether Kartini Day is a national holiday or not, particularly to confirm work and school schedules for April 2026.
To ascertain the status of this holiday, the public can refer to the list of red dates for April 2026, as established by the government through the Joint Decree of Three Ministers (SKB) on National Holidays and Collective Leave for 2026. So, is 21 April 2026 a national holiday? Here is the explanation.
Kartini Day on 21 April 2026 Is Not a National Holiday
Referring to the SKB of Three Ministers on National Holidays and Collective Leave for 2026, 21 April 2026 is not included in the list of national holidays or collective leave days. This means that Kartini Day in 2026 will remain a regular working day and school day as usual.
Based on the SKB of Three Ministers, there are only two red dates in April 2026, both of which have already passed. The first is on 3 April 2026, commemorating the Death of Jesus Christ (Good Friday). The second is on 5 April 2026, commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Easter).
A Brief History of Kartini Day Commemoration on 21 April
Kartini Day is commemorated every 21 April to remember the struggles of Raden Ajeng Kartini in advocating for education and equality for Indonesian women. This commemoration was established as a national day through Presidential Decree No. 108 of 1964 on the Designation of Kartini Day.
Referring to that government document, Kartini is recognised for her contributions in advancing women through her thoughts and struggles in the field of education. Kartini’s ideas are extensively captured in her letters, which were later compiled into a book and became an inspiration for the women’s emancipation movement in Indonesia.
Although not designated as a national holiday, Kartini Day commemorations are still held in various places such as schools, offices, communities, and neighbourhoods through ceremonies, competitions, and other educational activities.
When Are the Next Red Dates After April 2026?
After April 2026 ends, the public will still encounter several red dates in the following months according to the SKB of Three Ministers on National Holidays and Collective Leave for 2026. Here is the list of red dates:
Friday, 1 May 2026: International Labour Day
Thursday, 14 May 2026: Ascension of Jesus Christ
Friday, 15 May 2026: Collective Leave for Ascension of Jesus Christ
Wednesday, 27 May 2026: Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah
Thursday, 28 May 2026: Collective Leave for Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah
Sunday, 31 May 2026: Vesak Day 2570 Buddhist Era (BE)
Monday, 1 June 2026: Birth of Pancasila
Tuesday, 16 June 2026: 1 Muharram Islamic New Year 1448 Hijriah
Monday, 17 August 2026: Proclamation of Independence
Tuesday, 25 August 2026: Birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW
Thursday, 24 December 2026: Collective Leave for Christmas
Friday, 25 December 2026: Birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas)
Thus, Kartini Day on 21 April 2026 is not a national holiday and remains a regular working day. Nevertheless, its commemoration continues every year as a form of respect for Kartini’s struggles and the values of women’s emancipation in Indonesia.