Government allows flexible work on Aug. 18, not a holiday

The government will not make Aug. 18, 2026, a holiday or a joint leave day, but will allow flexible work arrangements so HUT ke-81 RI celebrations can continue a day after the ceremony. Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto said regional governments were asked to ease restrictions if residents still want to hold public celebrations. The guidance follows a circular from State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, number B-17/M/S/TU.00.03/08/2026, dated Aug. 14, 2026. The policy is flexible, not mandatory, including for private companies. For agencies and services that interact directly with the public, such as health, banking, telecommunications, energy, security, public order, transportation, and other essential services, employee assignments must be arranged proportionally so services remain fully operational.