liburan

Liburan is a term used in Indonesian and Malay to denote a period of leave from work or school intended for rest, recreation, or travel. It can refer to both the act of taking time off and the time itself, and is often associated with vacations or holiday breaks.

Etymology: The word comes from the root libur, meaning free or off; the suffix -an forms a noun indicating the period or act of being on holiday. In modern Indonesian, berlibur means to go on vacation.

Usage and types: In Indonesia, official holidays include hari libur nasional declared by the government, during which many activities pause. School holidays, or liburan sekolah, provide longer breaks for students and teachers. Cuti bersama, or collective leave dates, are sometimes designated to create extended holiday periods around major religious or national events. Individuals may also undertake liburan pribadi for leisure trips.

Impact: Liburan influences domestic tourism, travel behavior, and the economy, with peak travel often occurring during long holiday periods. The timing and length of liburan are shaped by public holiday calendars and school terms, as well as personal schedules and finances.