Public holiday and religious freedom system in Indonesia: equality or equity?

Purpose This study investigates Indonesia's approach to religious pluralism and constitutional guarantees of religious freedom through its system of public holidays for six officially recognised religions, evaluating whether this framework achieves equality or equity. Design/methodology/approach Using a doctrinal legal research method combined with a qualitative systematic literature review of empirical studies, the study analyses statutory provisions, ministerial decrees, labour regulations and secondary scholarship to assess both legal structures and their practical implementation. Findings The findings indicate that Indonesia has established a legal architecture supporting religious freedom through public holidays, predominantly institutionalised through the annual Joint Ministerial Decree. However, legal ambiguities and the political instrumentalisation of religion continue to hinder equitable enforcement, particularly for minority communities. Drawing on Rawls's justice theory, the study argues that targeted redistributive reforms are needed to ensure that the least advantaged religious groups benefit from holiday policies in a manner consistent with principles of fairness and equal basic liberties. Research limitations/implications The findings support policy reform towards a more flexible and inclusive holiday model, enhanced protection of minority practices and stronger institutional oversight to ensure alignment with principles of equality, substantive equity and justice as fairness. Originality/value By integrating doctrinal legal analysis and Rawlsian justice theory, this study offers a novel approach to understanding public holidays as a form of state recognition, accommodation and distribution of religious rights.