From Isa al Masih (Jesus Christ) to Yesus Kristus

Beginning in 2024, Indonesia will rename its national holidays from Isa al Masih (Jesus Christ) to Yesus Kristus. With 29 million believers, Christians represent 10% of the population, so this action is viewed as a show of respect for them.

Three national holidays—Good Friday, the Ascension of Isa al Masih, and the Birth of Isa al Masih (Christmas)—will have new names as a result of the change.

Indonesian Christian leaders, who have long utilised Yesus Kristus in worship and daily life, are thrilled about the move. With 29 million believers, Christians represent 10% of the population, and they feel that the change shows respect for their terms. Like Malaysia’s previous ban on non-Muslims calling God Allah, some believers are afraid that the change may result in more legislation governing the terms Christians are permitted to use in Indonesia.

Indonesia places a great importance on religious harmony despite Islam not being the official religion of the nation. Indonesian Christians use the term Isa al Masih less frequently, so the government’s decision to rename Christian holidays suggests that it respects Christians, who make up the second-largest religious minority in the nation.

The action may have been taken in an attempt to foster goodwill among Christians ahead of the February election, since the second and final term of President Joko Widodo is coming to an end, leaving Christians unsure of the new administration’s and the legislature’s commitment to upholding their rights.