Guide to Local Religious Practices in Indonesia

Published on October 31, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Indonesia, an archipelago of unparalleled cultural richness, is a country where diverse religious traditions coexist, captivating and intriguing in equal measure. For expatriates settling here, understanding these practices becomes essential not only for fostering harmonious integration but also for enriching their personal experience.

This guide aims to enlighten newcomers about the nuances and customs of this religious mosaic, offering keys to navigating serenely through an environment where spirituality profoundly influences social interactions and daily life.

Guaranteed immersion into the heart of unique spiritual diversity, this welcoming journey is an invitation to discover and respect local traditions, opening the door to an authentic and multisensory Indonesia.

Introduction to Religious Practices in Indonesia

Main Religions Practiced in Indonesia

• Islam (approximately 87% of the population): Majority religion and pillar of Indonesian national identity.
• Christianity (approximately 11%), divided into Protestants and Catholics, mainly present in Papua, Timor, and certain regions of North Sumatra and Maluku.
• Hinduism (primarily in Bali, where it represents nearly 86% of the local population).
• Buddhism and Confucianism (minorities, particularly within the Chinese community).
• Traditional animist beliefs: Still alive in certain rural regions and among some indigenous peoples.

Religion	Share of Population	Predominant Regions
Islam	~87%	Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan
Christianity	~11%	Papua, Timor, Maluku
Hinduism	<2%	Bali

Main Religious Holidays and Their Impact on Daily Life

Eid al-Fitr (Hari Raya Idul Fitri)

A major Muslim holiday, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is celebrated throughout the archipelago, particularly in Java and Sumatra.

Rituals and Traditions

Early morning collective prayers, family visits, exchange of wishes and offerings, distribution of alms (zakat), and sharing of traditional dishes like ketupat (rice cooked in coconut leaves).

Impact on Daily Life

• Widespread closure of businesses, government offices, schools, and shops, sometimes for a week.
• Significant reduction in work hours before and after the holiday.
• Mass movement of the population to hometowns (“mudik” phenomenon), causing traffic jams and restrictions or disruptions in public transport.
• Intense community activities: collective meals, charity work, neighborhood celebrations.

Expatriate Participation

Respect local customs, avoid professional meetings during the period, offer wishes to Muslim colleagues and neighbors, participate in festivities if invited.

Nyepi (Balinese Hindu New Year)

Nyepi is unique to Bali, celebrating the New Year according to the Hindu Saka calendar.

Rituals and Traditions

• Melasti purification ceremony two days prior.
• Ogoh-Ogoh (monster statue) parades the evening before, followed by the Ngrupuk ritual (destruction of effigies).
• On Nyepi day: absolute silence, fasting, meditation, prohibition from going out, traveling, using electricity, or engaging in any activity.

Impact on Daily Life

• Total closure of shops, airports, and ports.
• Prohibition of road travel, even for tourists.
• The entire island observes an almost supernatural calm.

Expatriate Participation

• Obligation to respect the silence, stay at the hotel or home, avoid any outdoor or noisy activities, anticipate purchases and travel.
• Opportunity to discover Balinese spirituality by participating in pre-Nyepi ceremonies.

Galungan and Kuningan (Balinese Hindu Holidays)

Galungan celebrates the victory of Dharma (good) over Adharma (evil) and the return of ancestors to homes, followed ten days later by Kuningan, marking the departure of the spirits.

Rituals and Traditions

• Installation of penjor (decorated bamboo arches) in front of every house.
• Offerings and prayers in family temples.
• Barong (mythical creatures) parades in villages.
• Purification of worship objects during Kuningan.

Impact on Daily Life

• Closure of many shops and slowdown in government offices.
• Return of Balinese to their home villages.
• Increase in community and religious activities.
• Maintenance of tourist activity in major hotels.

Expatriate Participation

Respect processions and decorations, avoid disturbing ceremonies. Possibility to attend festivities, adopting respectful attire and learning about local customs.

Christmas (Hari Natal)

Christian holiday celebrated mainly in regions with strong Christian populations (Papua, Ambon, Flores, Manado).

Rituals and Traditions

Midnight masses, Christmas carols, decorations, gift exchanges, festive family meals.

Impact on Daily Life

• Partial closure of shops and offices in affected areas.
• Modifications to work schedules.
• Community and charitable activities, shows, and Christmas markets.

Expatriate Participation

Welcome participation in masses and festivities. Respect local customs (appropriate attire, politeness). Possibility to organize private events in harmony with the local community.

Holiday	Religion	Main Rituals	Business Closures	Transport Restrictions	Expatriate Participation
Eid al-Fitr	Islam	Prayers, visits, food sharing	Widespread	Major disruptions	Respect, wishes, invitations
Nyepi	Hinduism	Silence, fasting, ceremonies	Total in Bali	Total prohibition	Respect silence, plan ahead
Galungan/Kuningan	Hinduism	Offerings, penjor, parades, purification	Partial closure	Slowdown	Respectful participation
Christmas	Christianity	Masses, meals, gifts	Partial (Christian regions)	Minimal	Welcome participation

Tips for Expatriates

• Research the holiday calendar in advance and anticipate service closures.
• Adopt a respectful and discreet attitude during rituals.
• Join celebrations if invited, observing local dress codes and protocols.
• Avoid scheduling professional events during major religious holidays.
• Use these moments to discover Indonesia’s cultural richness.

Behavioral Codes to Respect Local Practices

Understanding the different religions practiced in Indonesia is essential for respecting local practices and facilitating expatriate integration. The archipelago has six officially recognized religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity (Protestantism and Catholicism), and Confucianism. Religion holds a central place in daily life and national identity, influencing behaviors and social interactions.

Religion	Key Practices to Respect	Specific Remarks
Islam	Daily prayers, mosques	Majority, especially in Java and Sumatra
Hinduism	Offerings, temple ceremonies	Prevalent in Bali
Buddhism	Meditation, temple rituals	Minority but visible
Christianity	Masses, religious holidays	Present in various regions

Appropriate Behaviors in Places of Worship:

• Wear modest clothing: shoulders and knees covered.
• Use a sarong and scarf to enter Hindu temples.
• Remove shoes before entering a mosque or temple.
• Do not enter a temple during menstruation (for women).
• Avoid pointing or touching sacred objects.
• Respect silence during ceremonies and do not interrupt prayers or rituals.
• Ask permission before taking photos, especially during ceremonies.
• Refrain from public displays of affection in religious or public places.

Religious Holidays and Their Impact:

Religious holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Nyepi (Balinese Hindu New Year), Christmas, and Easter, modify work schedules and service availability.

During these periods, many shops close, transport may be disrupted, and residents participate in ceremonies with family or the community.

Expatriates must be flexible and adapt their organization according to these calendars.

Practical Tips for Better Understanding Local Sensitivities:

• Inquire with colleagues, neighbors, or local friends about religious customs specific to each region.
• Participate, when possible and appropriate, in events or ceremonies to observe and learn codes of conduct.
• Take time to interact with locals to better grasp the meaning of religious holidays and community practices.
• Respect instructions posted at the entrance of places of worship and ask for advice if in doubt.
• Adopt a humble and open attitude, avoiding judging or comparing local practices to those of your home country.

Respecting religious behavioral codes in Indonesia is a guarantee of good integration and mutual respect, helping to avoid awkwardness and fully experience local life.

Resources for Expatriates Wishing to Practice Their Religion

Main Places of Worship for Expatriates in Indonesia

Religion	Iconic Locations	City/Island	Special Features
Islam	Istiqlal Grand Mosque	Jakarta	Largest mosque in Southeast Asia, symbol of harmony with neighboring cathedral
	Baiturrahman Grand Mosque	Banda Aceh	Major historical and spiritual site, survived the tsunami
	Palembang Grand Mosque	Palembang	Architecture blending local, European, and Chinese influences
	An-Nur Grand Mosque	Pekanbaru	Varied facilities (playground, library, date palms)
Christianity	Jakarta Cathedral	Jakarta	Located opposite Istiqlal Mosque, symbol of interfaith cooperation
	Emmanuel Reformed Church (Gereja Immanuel)	Jakarta	Historic Reformed Protestant place of worship
	Maria Bunda Segala Bangsa Parish Catholic Church	Bali (Puja Mandala)	Part of an interfaith complex
	Bukit Doa Protestant Church	Bali (Puja Mandala)	Part of an interfaith complex
Hinduism	Pura Besakih	Bali	Mother Temple of Bali, major spiritual center
	Pura Ulun Danu Bratan	Bali	Picturesque lakeside temple
	Pura Tanah Lot	Bali	Iconic seaside temple
	Jagat Natha Hindu Temple	Bali (Puja Mandala)	Part of an interfaith complex
Buddhism	Vihara Buddha Guna	Bali (Puja Mandala)	Buddhist temple in a multidenominational complex

Multidenominational Complexes

Puja Mandala (Bali): Brings together a mosque, Catholic and Protestant churches, a Hindu temple, and a Buddhist temple, facilitating practice for all communities and encouraging religious harmony.

Organizations and Resources for Expatriates

• Christian communities (Catholic, Protestant) present in major cities.
• Muslim associations and cultural centers for expatriates, particularly in Jakarta and Bali.
• Meditation and yoga groups open to foreigners.
• Online support platforms (forums, expatriate Facebook groups).
• Tourist guides and cultural centers offering visits and workshops on local religions.
• Hotel and resort services providing presentations on Balinese religion and culture.

Interfaith Events

• Shared religious holidays (e.g., Jakarta Cathedral opens its parking for Eid, Istiqlal Mosque for Christmas).
• Balinese festivals and ceremonies where foreign participation is possible (while respecting local framework).

Practical Tips for Contacting Religious Communities

• Go directly to places of worship before or after services to meet with leaders.
• Use social media or expatriate groups to obtain schedules and contacts.
• Ask for advice from local colleagues or already settled expatriates.

Important Cultural Considerations

• Respect dress codes (shoulders and legs covered in mosques and temples).
• Remove shoes before entering temples and mosques.
• Avoid proselytizing, considered inappropriate and sometimes illegal.
• Observe rituals and do not interrupt prayers or ceremonies.
• Ask for permission before photographing or participating in rituals.

Online Resources and Useful Applications

• Worship place locator apps (Google Maps, Muslim Pro for mosques, Catholic Mass Times for masses).
• Indonesian religious holiday calendars (official tourism sites, expatriate Facebook groups).
• Streaming platforms to follow religious services remotely.
• Expatriate community sites offering announcements of local religious events.

Key Takeaways

To live one’s faith in Indonesia, prioritize discretion, respectful curiosity, and intercultural dialogue. Religious harmony is valued, but each community has its sensitivities: integration comes through listening and respecting local customs.