Get Ready for Nataru Holidays: December 2025 Long Weekend Could Be Your Long Vacation Opportunity

December is synonymous with the holiday atmosphere. This year, those wishing to utilize December for a vacation alone or with family can start planning their year-end trip.

The long weekend leading up to New Year 2026 will provide an extra opportunity for those wanting a longer holiday, especially for those who have had their eyes on tourist destinations well in advance.

This December, there is a long weekend approaching the year-end. This long weekend consists of the Christmas holiday adjacent to the weekend break. 

Based on the Joint Decree of 3 Ministers (SKB) concerning National Holidays and Collective Leave 2025, December 25th and 26th are designated as the Christmas holiday and collective leave day, followed by Saturday and Sunday, making it a consecutive four-day break.

December 2025 Long Weekend Schedule

Thursday, December 25, 2025: National Holiday - Birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas)

Friday, December 26, 2025: Collective Leave - Birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas)

Saturday, December 27, 2025: Weekend holiday

Sunday, December 28, 2025: Weekend holiday

2025/2026 Nataru Holiday: Opportunity for a Longer Vacation

After the Christmas long weekend, the New Year's Day holiday on January 1, 2026, follows just a few days later. 

This period, often referred to as the Nataru holiday (Christmas-New Year), can be maximized for a longer trip, of course, if they utilize their annual leave allowance.

To optimize the holiday experience, here are the recommended leave dates to take advantage of:

Thursday, December 25, 2025: National holiday

Friday, December 26, 2025: Collective leave

Saturday, December 27, 2025: Weekend holiday

Sunday, December 28, 2025: Weekend holiday

Monday, December 29, 2025: Recommended leave day

Tuesday, December 30, 2025: Recommended leave day

Wednesday, December 31, 2025: Recommended leave day

Thursday, January 1, 2026: New Year's National holiday

Friday, January 2, 2026: Recommended leave day

Saturday, January 3, 2026: Weekend holiday

Sunday, January 4, 2026: Weekend holiday

By taking leave on December 29-31 and January 2, employees can enjoy a holiday of up to 11 full days. This span is ideal for long-distance travel, inter-island road trips, or simply a staycation to welcome the new year.

Collective Leave Rules for Workers and Civil Servants (ASN/PNS)

However, before drafting an itinerary, it's important to understand the collective leave rules. Referring to the Circular Letter of the Minister of Manpower Number M/6/HK.04/XII/2024, collective leave days may reduce the annual leave entitlement of workers.

The regulation states:

"Workers/laborers who take leave on a collective leave day, the leave taken reduces their annual leave entitlement."

Conversely, "Workers/laborers who work on a collective leave day, their annual leave entitlement is not reduced and they are paid wages as on a regular workday."

For Civil Servants (ASN/PNS), the provisions differ. Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 2 of 2025 (Keppres) clarifies that collective leave does not deduct the annual leave quota.

"The collective leave as referred to in dictum ONE does not reduce the annual leave rights of State Civil Apparatus Employees," states the second point of the Presidential Decree.

Furthermore, for ASN who cannot take leave due to certain positions, their leave quota will be increased. 

"State Civil Apparatus Employees who, due to their position, are not granted collective leave, their annual leave entitlement is increased according to the number of collective leave days not granted."

With clear regulations and the long holiday just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning the Nataru trip. From checking tickets, booking accommodation, to determining tourist activities.