Jakarta – The proposal for a month-long school holiday during Ramadan has sparked a mix of support and opposition.
The Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, has addressed the idea, noting that Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) already implement holidays during Ramadan, but public and private schools are still awaiting further announcements.
“In Islamic boarding schools under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ramadan is already a holiday. However, for other schools, the matter is still under consideration, and we will provide updates in due time,” Nasaruddin said to reporters at Monas on Monday night (December 31, 2024).
He emphasized that the quality of worship during Ramadan is more important than whether schools are closed. The holiday proposal, he added, is still under discussion.
“Whether there is a holiday or not, what matters most is the quality of worship. Ramadan is a time of focus for Muslims,” he stated.
Nasruddin expressed his hope that the upcoming Ramadan would be more meaningful for children. He envisions students engaging in Islamic social practices beyond school theory.
“This Ramadan, I hope children can concentrate more on reciting and memorizing the Qur’an, performing Islamic social practices, and gaining practical experience, not just theoretical knowledge from school. It’s also an opportunity to spend time with family and engage in social acts of worship, which are highly rewarding during Ramadan,” he explained.
Parliament Urges Thorough Review of the Proposal
The proposal has elicited varied responses, including from Selly Andriyani Gantina, a member of the DPR’s Commission VIII from the PDIP faction. She urged careful consideration to ensure education quality remains uncompromised.
“It is crucial to ensure this policy does not reduce the quality of education. Religious and general education in madrasas and pesantren must remain guaranteed. While Ramadan is a key moment for spiritual growth, learning must continue effectively, both formally and informally. If a long holiday is implemented, there must be mechanisms to compensate for lost learning time so that the curriculum is not left behind,” Selly stated on Tuesday (December 31, 2024).
She suggested that different approaches be considered for pesantren and madrasas. Pesantren, she noted, often have more flexible systems focusing on intensive religious education, which might make a month-long holiday suitable for conducting religious activities outside formal classes.
“For madrasas that follow the national curriculum, there are constraints in adjusting the academic calendar, especially if the holiday affects exam schedules or lesson completion,” she added.
Selly also proposed supplementing the holiday with productive activities like pesantren kilat (intensive Islamic classes).
“The government can promote programs such as pesantren kilat, religious guidance, or social activities during Ramadan to ensure students continue meaningful learning. It’s not about a full break but shifting education from formal institutions to informal settings like homes, community centers, and village halls. The challenge lies in maintaining education quality, as every place can be a school, and everyone can be a teacher, as Ki Hajar Dewantara once said,” she explained.
Selly expressed her support for the policy if implemented thoughtfully, urging dialogue with educational institutions and communities before making a decision.
“I support this policy if it is planned meticulously, involves discussions between the government, educational institutions, and communities, and ensures no parties are disadvantaged. Ramadan’s essence should coexist with maintaining education quality,” she said.
Meanwhile, Hetifah Sjaifudian, Chairwoman of the DPR RI Commission X, called for an inclusive approach to designing the rule before implementation.
“The proposal for a month-long school holiday during Ramadan has potential positive and negative impacts that must be carefully weighed,” Hetifah told reporters on Tuesday (December 31).
She highlighted the potential benefits, stating that such a holiday could give Muslim students the space to focus on fasting and religious activities without the distraction of school.
“They could use the time to deepen their understanding of religion, participate in social religious events in their communities, or strengthen family bonds,” she explained.
However, she also noted the potential impact on the academic calendar.
“On the other hand, a long holiday could disrupt the academic calendar, particularly in completing the set curriculum. Without adequate compensatory measures, such as extending school hours or the academic year, students might struggle to catch up,” she concluded.
