Boxing Day 2025 in Indonesia

Boxing Day is not an official public holiday but is often observed as part of the extended Christmas break. Many people take leave to travel, relax, or continue festive gatherings with family and friends.

Boxing Day: A Public Holiday?

Boxing Day is not an official public holiday in Indonesia, but it is often observed as a Collective Leave (Cuti Bersama)—a government-designated day off that counts against public servants' annual leave. Many private companies adopt similar practices, aligning their leave policies with official government schedules.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day, observed on December 26, originally comes from European tradition, especially in the United Kingdom. It began as a day when employers gave gifts or bonuses—called "Christmas boxes"—to their workers and service staff. Over time, it became a public holiday in many Western countries, often used for relaxation and shopping after Christmas.

In Indonesia, Boxing Day is not a national public holiday. However, due to the global influence of holiday customs and the recognition of Christmas as a national holiday, December 26 is often marked as Cuti Bersama Natal (Collective Leave for Christmas). This government-designated leave is deducted from public servants' annual leave and is followed by many private companies as well. Over the years, Boxing Day has become an extended part of the Christmas celebration in areas with significant Christian populations, such as North Sulawesi, Papua, and East Nusa Tenggara.

Observance of Boxing Day in Indonesia

While Boxing Day is not officially celebrated in Indonesia, it has become part of the year-end break for many people. After Christmas Day on December 25, December 26 is often observed as Collective Leave for Christmas (Cuti Bersama Natal). This practice allows public servants—and in many cases, private sector employees—to enjoy a longer holiday period. It is especially helpful for families traveling or those who wish to spend more quality time together after the Christmas celebrations.

In regions with large Christian populations, such as Manado or Kupang, the day is often filled with continued family gatherings, visits to relatives, or quiet moments of reflection. Some people may also join church services or community meals. While Boxing Day in Indonesia does not carry religious or historical importance, it offers a peaceful extension to the festive season.

The main value of Boxing Day in Indonesia lies in its practical role. It creates a smoother transition between Christmas and New Year's Day, giving people a chance to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful time with loved ones. Though not rooted in local tradition, the day has quietly become a welcome pause in the festive season.

Boxing Day Observances