Maulid Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), falls on Tuesday, 25 August 2026 in Indonesia and is a national public holiday observed across the country.
If you’re planning to visit, here’s the date, what closes, the regional celebrations worth seeing, and how to travel respectfully around the holiday.
When Is Maulid Nabi in Indonesia in 2026?
Maulid Nabi 2026 is on Tuesday, August 25, marking 12 Rabiul Awal 1448 H in the Islamic calendar.
Because it falls on a Tuesday, many Indonesians take Monday, August 24, as personal leave to create a four-day long weekend, so expect busier domestic flights and roads around that window.
Significance
Maulid Nabi (also written Maulud Nabi or Mulud Nabi) commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, it is a deeply meaningful occasion that blends heartfelt religious observance with centuries-old Javanese and regional culture.
Is Maulid Nabi a Public Holiday in Indonesia?
Yes. Maulid Nabi is one of Indonesia’s 17 national public holidays for 2026, set by a Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB Tiga Menteri).
There is no cuti bersama (collective leave) attached to it in 2026, so the official day off is August 25 only.
On the day, expect:
- Government offices, schools, and banks closed
- Most malls, restaurants, and tourist attractions open as usual
- Public transport running, often on a holiday schedule
How Indonesia Celebrates Maulid Nabi
Observances range from quiet mosque gatherings to grand royal processions, varying by region. Nationwide, communities come together for pengajian (Quran study), shalawat recitals, and Barzanji readings in praise of the Prophet (SAW).
For travelers, the largest public celebrations are concentrated in a few cities.
Sekaten & Grebeg Maulud (Yogyakarta and Solo)
The most well-known celebrations unfold in the royal courts of Yogyakarta and Solo (Surakarta).
Sekaten is a week-long fair and night market running roughly from 5 to 11 Rabiul Awal, when sacred centuries-old gamelan are played at the palace mosque. It culminates in Grebeg Maulud, when towering gunungan — mountains of rice, vegetables, and produce — are paraded from the keraton (palace) to the grand mosque and shared with the crowd as a symbol of the Sultan’s blessings.
Regional traditions
- Panjang Jimat (Cirebon) — a procession of royal heirlooms from Keraton Kasepuhan to the Sang Cipta Rasa Grand Mosque
- Bunga Lado (Padang) — colorful decorated “flower trees” of money and ornaments paraded in West Sumatra
- Maudu Lompo (Sulawesi) and To’dok Telok (Karimunjawa) — community feasts and decorated eggs
What’s Open and Closed?
Tourist life carries on, but government services pause. Here’s a quick guide.
| Place | Status on Aug 25 |
|---|---|
| Malls, shops, restaurants | Open |
| Beaches, temples, attractions | Open |
| Banks & government offices | Closed |
| Schools | Closed |
In Bali, the holiday has little impact on tourism — beaches, cafes, and tours run normally.
Travel Tips for Maulid Nabi
The long weekend draws heavy domestic travel, so plan ahead.
- Book early. Flights and trains to Java fill fast — compare flights to Jakarta and other hubs in advance.
- Stay central in Solo or Yogyakarta if you want to catch Grebeg Maulud — find hotels in Yogyakarta near the keraton early, as they sell out.
- Arrive before the crowds. Grebeg processions start early morning; get to the mosque square ahead of time.
- Dress modestly at mosques and palace events — covered shoulders and knees — and be mindful that this is a sacred day for worshippers.
- Carry cash on the day, as some banks and ATMs may be quieter than usual.
For more on Indonesia’s calendar, see our guide to Dhul Hijjah and the Islamic months.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Maulid Nabi 2026 in Indonesia?
Maulid Nabi falls on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, corresponding to 12 Rabiul Awal 1448 H.
Is Maulid Nabi a public holiday in Indonesia?
Yes. It is one of Indonesia’s 17 national public holidays for 2026, with offices, schools, and banks closed. There is no collective leave (cuti bersama) attached this year.
Where can tourists see Maulid Nabi celebrations?
The most well-known are Sekaten and Grebeg Maulud at the royal palaces of Yogyakarta and Solo, plus Panjang Jimat in Cirebon and Bunga Lado in Padang. Visitors are warmly welcome, and respectful, modest dress is appreciated.
Sources
- ANTARA News — Indonesia sets 17 national holidays for 2026
- Tempo — Indonesia Sets 17 National Holidays, 8 Collective Leave Days for 2026
- Indonesia.travel — Grebeg Maulud
- Sekaten — Background on the Yogyakarta and Surakarta tradition
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) — Hari Libur 2026
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