Why is 1 May 2026 a Public Holiday? See the Regulations and Other Holiday Schedules
Many members of the public have questioned the reason why 1 May is a national public holiday in Indonesia. Here is an explanation of the official regulations as well as other holiday schedules throughout May 2026.
Reason for 1 May 2026 Being a National Public Holiday
The designation of 1 May 2026 as a national public holiday is set out in the Joint Decree (SKB) of Three Ministers No. 1497 of 2025, No. 2 of 2025, and No. 5 of 2025 on national public holidays and collective leave for 2026. Under these regulations, 1 May 2026 marks International Labour Day.
The history of its establishment refers to Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 157 of 1950, under which 1 May has been designated as Labour Day applicable throughout Indonesia. This provision forms the basis for observing Labour Day as one of the important national occasions.
Furthermore, through Presidential Decree No. 24 of 2013, the government established 1 May, which is Labour Day, as a national public holiday. Since then, the observance of Labour Day on 1 May has always been included in the list of national public holidays regulated annually through the Joint Decree of Three Ministers.
National Public Holidays and Collective Leave in May 2026
In addition to Labour Day on 1 May 2026, there are several other dates designated as national public holidays and collective leave throughout the month of May. This information also refers to the Joint Decree of Three Ministers on national public holidays and collective leave for 2026.
Here is the list of national public holidays and collective leave in May 2026:
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: Idul Adha 1447 Hijriah
Thursday, 28 May 2026: Collective leave for Idul Adha
Sunday, 31 May 2026: Vesak Day 2570 BE
Several of these dates are also adjacent to weekends, thus potentially forming long holiday periods known as long weekends. This situation provides opportunities for the public to plan rest time or other activities.
Thus, 1 May 2026 is a national public holiday due to the observance of International Labour Day, which has been regulated in various official government provisions. In addition, the month of May 2026 also has several other holiday schedules that can be utilised by the public.