Public Holidays in Indonesia: Idul Adha, Day of Sacrifice
On Friday (01/09) markets are closed in Indonesia as the people celebrate Idul Adha, the day of sacrifice. On this public holiday people commemorate a story that is known in both Muslim and Christian circles, namely Ibrahim (Abraham)'s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismael, to God. At the last moment, however, God intervened and told Ibrahim to sacrifice a sheep instead of Ismael. Ibrahim's act proved his commitment to God.
Although in Christian circles this event is not celebrated, in Muslim circles it calls for celebration and forms a reminder of the importance of sacrifice.
In the days ahead of Idul Adha goats and cows are sold on the streets of Indonesian cities. Even in the business district of Jakarta there are suddenly stands with cows and goats along the road. These animals are bought with the aim to be slaughtered on Idul Adha. These slaughter ceremonies generally take place on local squares, around mosques and other local gathering places, usually joined by large crowds.
The meat of the animals is divided equally in three parts: (1) for the household, (2) friends and family, and (3) the poor. Anyone can enjoy the meat, also non-Muslims. Obviously, this event is not liked by those who support the well-being of animals as these festivities encourage excessive killings of cows and goats.
Impact Idul Adha on Traffic
Indonesian Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi expects the density of vehicles will increase up to 40 percent (from normal conditions) around the Idul Adha holiday on Friday (01/09). Although the rise in traffic will not be as severe as during the Lebaran (Idul Fitri) period, it will still require huge efforts of authorities to manage the road network, Sumadi added.
Starting from Thursday afternoon (31/08) traffic increased in and around Jakarta as many people leave the city for a couple of days. However, traffic density is expected to intensify further after the midday Friday prayer on 1 September 2017.
Authorities decided to restrict the number of trucks on the roads on Thursday-Friday as well as on Sunday in order to relieve pressures on the road network.
Also the highways toward the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, located just outside Indonesia's capital city of Jakarta, are expected to come under pressure. Although there are no additional flights scheduled, the occupancy rate of aircraft passengers may rise 30 percent.
The central government encourages the people to use public transportation - such as airplanes, trains, and buses - and avoid the use of private vehicles when traveling during the short Idul Adha holiday.
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