Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim country with 12.7% of the world’s Muslim population. If you are a non-Muslims from outside of Indonesia who are thinking of traveling to, or living in Jakarta, you would naturally wonder how life is while living in Jakarta during Ramadan.

Ramadan is the last month of the Muslim lunar year. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world observe a total fast. They abstain from food, drink and physical needs such as smoking or sex during the daylight hours. They are also required to practice self-discipline and refrain from getting angry, telling lies, and swearing. It is a time to purify the soul and body, and focus attention on God.

All adults and those who are sane are expected to fast. The sick, those with long-term illnesse-Children, women having their period, travellers, pregnant or breastfeeding-women plus the mentally ill are exempted.

Since most people in Jakarta are Muslims, life naturally is a lot different during Ramadan. For non-Muslim foreigners, there are many inconveniences but nothing is so bad that it is unbearable.

The most noticeable change is that life slows down. People do things at a slower pace and you will find that the same task takes more time to be accomplished during Ramadan. The lack of food and liquid, and the change in meal and sleep times lower the energy level of most people. If you have maids, they will rise earlier to eat a pre-dawn meal and change their work habits and schedules. They may get sleepy during the day.

Some restaurants and food vendors close over the day. Many would not serve alcohol at all, or only along the evening. Finding a seat in a restaurant for dinner becomes more difficult but lunch is OK. Bars and nightlife are curtailed by government regulations. Night entertainment establishments are usually ordered to close by the government during the first two days, the 17th day plus the last day of Ramadan. Those in 5 stars hotels are allowed to open but they will have shorter operating hours.

As the breaking of fast each evening is a special occasion, many people leave work early to go home to start the fast with family. The usual rush hour traffic will start earlier during Ramadan.

There will be more beggars as villagers come to Jakarta during Ramadan to take advantage of the charitable atmosphere.

As the end of Ramadan approaches, people start to be ready for feasts from the end of the month, as well as preparing to travel to visit families in their hometowns. Naturally, food prices rise accordingly and supermarkets become busy. Scheduling travel also becomes more difficult.

During Ramadan, a non-Muslim may want to not eat, drink or smoke in front of fasting Muslims. Try to be more restrained yourself and not say or do things that may provoke a Muslim to get angry. Be more patient with your household and office workers. Try not to schedule difficult work during Ramadan.

If you think about it, everyone needs to slow down, reflects and refocus some time. Many non-Muslims even find Ramadan offers them a refreshing change each year to start to practice self-discipline, compassion and sacrifice themselves. Living in Jakarta during Ramadan may not be a testing time at all.