Indonesia is currently adorned in the official red & white colors of the nation, leading up to Indonesia's day of utmost pride. On August 17 in 1945, Indonesia declared independence for itself and spent the next four years engaged in conflict, sometimes bloody, with the Netherlands whose rule they had been under for almost 150 years. Finally they conceded, following the enduring and widespread collective resolve of Indonesians coupled with the international pressure, that Indonesia was in fact autonomous from Dutch rule. Indonesian Independence Day is a national public holiday and has an air of fun and light heartedness about it. Earnest ceremonies such as the hoisting of the flag at the National Palace, attended by the President and other important officials that is televised for the entire nation to share in the spectacle in respect for the modern day republic. But alongside these, the vast majority will engage in fun activities and competitions all organized in the weeks prior and put on to entertain and delight the children in particular. Krupuk eating competitions, climbing palm trees for the prizes at the top, sack racing and other such fun sports are all part of the activities which ensure that each year, it is a day to look forward to and revel in the celebration!
Indonesia is the country with the largest Islam community in the world. On 19th - 20th of August, the Moslem community will be celebrating Idul Fitri. Eid is known in Indonesia as Idul Fitri (or more popular as Lebaran) and is the biggest national holiday. Indonesia will experience its mass exodus with Jakarta transporting millions of its inhabitants back to their home towns to be with their families. It marks the end of the month of fasting and is a time which is highly anticipated. New clothes are worn, much traditional food is consumed, families do the rounds and visit their fellow neighbors and time is spent with loved ones and family.
Bali is the only island in Indonesia where the religion is predominantly Hindu. The Balinese will be celebrating the end of their 210-day calendar with Galungan, a ten day festival starting on August 29th with the last day being Hari Raya Kuningan which will fall on September 8th. Galungan is the biggest of Balinese celebrations which symbolizes the winning of Dharma (good) over Adharma (evil). On the day of Galungan, most Balinese will try to return to their own ancestral home. This is a time where the Balinese believe the spirits of their deceased family members descend on their homes so plenty of offerings must be made to welcome them.
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