Ramadan: Libur Penuh Atau Tidak?

Summary

The transcript explores the history and impact of school holidays during Ramadan in Indonesia, particularly under Dutch colonial rule. It discusses the introduction of a full Ramadan holiday for students in 1930, aimed at allowing Muslim children to focus on spiritual practices. The policy faced criticism after Indonesia's independence, with figures like Daud Yusuf opposing it, fearing a decline in intellectual development. The debate continues today, considering the balance between intellectual and spiritual education. The transcript emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the consequences of such policies and involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Takeaways

• 😀 In 1930, Mahbub Junaidi, a Betawi intellectual, recalled that schools in Indonesia under Dutch rule gave students a full 39-day break for Ramadan, which included 30 days during the fasting month and additional days after and before Eid.
• 😀 The full Ramadan holiday policy was first implemented in Indonesia in 1930 as a result of deliberations by the Dutch colonial government, with input from Islamic scholars like Dr. Andri and others.
• 😀 The full holiday during Ramadan was initially introduced to allow Muslim students, who were the majority in Indonesia, to focus on religious education at home and in their communities.
• 😀 The policy was revoked in May 1978 by Indonesia's Minister of Education, Daud Yusuf, who viewed the full Ramadan break as a strategy by the Dutch to keep Muslim students intellectually behind.
• 😀 Some Indonesian Muslim leaders, including Muhammad Nasir, Prof. Dr. Rasyidi, and Buya Hamka, disagreed with the cancellation of the full Ramadan holiday, fearing it would lead to secularization and undermine students' spiritual education.
• 😀 Buya Hamka suggested that Daud Yusuf should have consulted with Muslim leaders from the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) to discuss the potential pros and cons of such a policy change.
• 😀 The debate continued through the era of Indonesia's reformasi, with shifts in policy based on the political leadership, including President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), who reinstated the full holiday for Muslim students during Ramadan.
• 😀 The policy of giving a full holiday during Ramadan or not continues to spark debate, as each choice has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of both intellectual and spiritual education for students.
• 😀 The key issue is balancing intellectual development with spiritual growth, as full holidays during Ramadan might provide more time for religious activities but could also risk falling behind academically.
• 😀 Modern educational debates also consider the impact of online learning, which could offer an alternative to a full break while allowing students to maintain both their academic progress and spiritual development during Ramadan.

Q & A

Why did the Dutch colonial government introduce the policy of granting Muslim students full holidays during Ramadan in 1930?

The Dutch colonial government introduced the policy to cater to the Muslim population and prevent the rise of resistance movements. They believed that providing Muslim students with the time off for Ramadan would help to maintain peaceful relations with the Muslim community and avoid resentment against the colonial rulers.

What were the key reasons behind the repeal of the Ramadan holiday policy in 1978?

The policy was repealed in 1978 by Indonesia's Minister of Education and Culture, Daud Yusuf, who argued that giving Muslim students an extended break for Ramadan contributed to intellectual stagnation. He believed that the long holiday resulted in a gap in students' education, leading to diminished academic performance.

How did religious leaders and organizations like the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) react to the repeal of the holiday policy?

Religious leaders and organizations such as MUI opposed the repeal of the policy. They feared that the removal of the full holiday could lead to secularization and weaken the religious and spiritual development of Muslim students, which was a significant concern for the Muslim community.

What was President Abdurrahman Wahid's (Gus Dur) stance on the Ramadan holiday policy?

President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) revived the full Ramadan holiday policy during his presidency, acknowledging its importance for spiritual and religious development. His decision reflected his view that both intellectual growth and spiritual well-being should be nurtured during Ramadan.

What are the main concerns of those who argue against providing full holidays during Ramadan?

Opponents of the full holiday policy argue that extended breaks from school contribute to intellectual stagnation, as students lose valuable learning time. They believe this negatively impacts academic performance and creates a gap in education.

How does the transcript balance the perspectives of both supporters and opponents of the full Ramadan holiday?

The transcript presents a balanced view by acknowledging the valid concerns of both sides. It recognizes the importance of allowing Muslim students to focus on religious practices during Ramadan while also addressing the educational drawbacks of extended school holidays. The discussion suggests that decisions should be based on careful consideration of both intellectual and spiritual needs.

What was the impact of the Ramadan holiday policy on the relationship between the Indonesian government and the Muslim population during the colonial period?

During the colonial period, the Ramadan holiday policy helped maintain a peaceful relationship between the Dutch government and the Muslim population. By granting Muslim students time off for religious practices, the government aimed to reduce resentment and avoid potential uprisings, demonstrating a strategic approach to governance.

Why is the balance between intellectual development and religious practice particularly important during Ramadan for Muslim students?

During Ramadan, Muslim students face the challenge of balancing their educational responsibilities with their religious obligations. It is important to maintain a balance to ensure that students can grow both intellectually and spiritually. Focusing solely on one aspect could lead to intellectual stagnation or diminished religious engagement.

How did the changes in Indonesia's policy regarding Ramadan holidays reflect broader shifts in Indonesian society?

The changes in the policy reflect broader shifts in Indonesian society, especially as the country moved from colonial rule to independence and later underwent reform under Gus Dur's leadership. These shifts signify changing priorities in balancing religious freedom, cultural identity, and educational standards.

What role do cultural and religious considerations play in shaping educational policies in Indonesia?

Cultural and religious considerations play a significant role in shaping educational policies in Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country. Policies such as the Ramadan holiday are influenced by the need to respect religious practices and support students in fulfilling their spiritual duties, while also maintaining the standards of intellectual development.