Longer Holiday Weekends in 2004

(7/21/2003)

Duplicating a decision made last year affecting the celebration of holidays in 2003, the Government has officially moved the celebration of a number of "official" holidays in 2004 in order to increase the number of long weekends and boost domestic tourism.

A joint-ministerial decree issued by the ministries of Religious Affairs, Manpower, and Administrative Reform has formally moved five holidays in 2004, namely:

• Idul Adha to now be celebrated on Monday, February 2, 2004, moved from its original date of Sunday, February 1^st.

• Muslim New Year to now be celebrated on Monday, February 23, 2004, moved from its original date of Sunday, February 22^nd.

• Nyepi - the Hindu day of silence - to now be celebrated on Monday, March 22, 2004, moved from its original date of Sunday, March 21^st.

• Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed to now be celebrated on Monday, May 2, 2004, moved from the original date of Sunday, May 3^rd.

• The Ascension Day of the Prophet Mohammed moved to Monday, September 13, 2004, from the original date of Sunday, September 12^th.

The ruling only officially affects government employees but many private companies are expected to follow the Government's lead and extend similar holiday facilities for their staff.