Prayer times and working style of Indonesian Muslims

Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, and its culture, social life, and working environment are deeply connected to the teachings of Islam. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the prayer times and working style of Indonesian Muslims.

The Influence of Islam in Indonesia

Approximately 87% of Indonesia’s total population are Muslims, making it the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. However, Islam is not the state religion; the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Six religions are officially recognized: Islam, Christianity (both Catholic and Protestant), Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, and citizens are required to adhere to one of them. Due to this religious background, Islamic teachings and practices play an important role in daily life and in business settings.

Prayer (Salat) Times and Their Impact

In Islam, performing five daily prayers (Salat) is obligatory. These prayer times are based on the movement of the sun, such as sunrise and sunset, and are as follows:

• Fajr: Before dawn

• Dhuhr: Just after midday

• Asr: Mid-afternoon

• Maghrib: Just after sunset

• Isha: At night

During working hours, the two main prayer times that occur are Dhuhr (just after midday) and Asr (mid-afternoon). Particularly on Fridays, around noon, Muslim men attend a special congregational prayer called Jumu’ah, which requires a longer prayer time than usual.

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Religious Considerations in Indonesia’s Work Environment

Provision of Space and Time for Prayer

Many Indonesian companies, factories, and offices provide designated prayer spaces (called musholla) to allow employees to perform their prayers. It is generally accepted for employees to temporarily pause their work during prayer times, especially for the Dhuhr (midday) prayer. On Fridays, many companies extend lunch breaks to accommodate the Jumu’ah prayer, with typical arrangements such as a 1.5-hour break starting around 11:30 AM.

Adjustments to Working Hours During Ramadan

During Ramadan (the Islamic month of fasting), Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. To support this, some companies reduce working hours. For example, in the UAE, a six-hour workday is common during Ramadan. In Indonesia as well, adjusting working hours during Ramadan is important to help maintain employees’ health and productivity.

Provision of Halal Meals

Muslims are required to consume halal (permissible under Islamic law) food. Therefore, companies are expected to provide halal menu options in employee cafeterias and at events. This ensures employees can eat with peace of mind, contributing to higher workplace satisfaction.

Work Ethics and Cultural Characteristics of Indonesian People

Values Emphasizing Family and Community

Indonesians place great importance on their connections with family and community. Therefore, it is common for employees to take leave for family events or religious occasions. Employers need to understand this cultural background and respond with flexibility.

Social Structure that Respects Hierarchy

Indonesian society values hierarchy based on age, experience, and status. Showing respect to superiors and elders is expected. In business settings, respecting these social customs helps facilitate smooth communication and build trust.

Work Style Emphasizing Flexibility and Harmony

Indonesians have a culture that values avoiding conflict and prioritizing harmony (harmoni). In meetings and workplace discussions, direct rejection or criticism tends to be avoided, with opinions often expressed indirectly and accompanied by smiles.

Flexibility in work is also important; it is not uncommon for employees to take sudden leave due to unexpected family matters or religious events. When supervisors and companies understand and accept these individual circumstances, trust and loyalty tend to increase.

To work effectively with Indonesians who hold these values, it is essential to understand their culture of “valuing relationships over formality” and to take a long-term approach to building trust.

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Key Points for Business Practices in Indonesia

To build good relationships with local employees in Indonesia, it is advisable to consider the following points:

• Schedule Adjustments Respecting Prayer Times
  Avoid scheduling meetings or interviews during lunch breaks when prayers take place.
  Pay special attention to the Friday noon Jumu’ah prayer, particularly for male employees.

• Flexible Leave Arrangements
  Long holidays are common during Islamic holidays and the end of Ramadan (Idul Fitri / Lebaran), often including several weeks of returning home.
  Attendance at family events and ceremonies is highly valued, so showing understanding helps build trust.

• Consideration for Halal Food and Dress Code
  Providing halal meals is essential, so care should be taken during company meals or in cafeterias.
  Some women wear the hijab, so flexible dress code policies are recommended.

• Management Focused on Follow-Up Rather Than Scolding
  Public reprimands can be seen as causing shame and may lower motivation.
  When mistakes occur, a private discussion aimed at finding solutions together is preferred.

• Understanding the “Tidak Enak” Culture
  There is a strong cultural value of not wanting to upset others or refuse requests directly, which can lead to ambiguous yes/no responses.
  Building trust and creating a safe environment for open, honest feedback is important to receive clear communication.

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Summary

When doing business in Indonesia, it is essential to deeply understand the religious values and social culture, and to manage with sensitivity to the lifestyles and working styles of local people. In a country where the Muslim population forms the majority, prayer and religious events are deeply integrated into daily life and directly influence the work environment.

Unlike the “results-oriented and time-focused” approach common in Japan and Western countries, Indonesia tends to emphasize “harmony with others and flexibility.” Management based on trust and respect can boost local staff motivation and achieve sustainable business growth.

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Glossary of Terms Used in This Article

• Muslim: People who practice Islam.
• Prayer (Salat): The ritual prayer performed five times a day by Muslims.
• Jumu’ah: The special Friday prayer obligatory for Muslim men.
• Mushola: A small prayer room designated for performing prayers.
• Halal: Foods and behaviors permitted under Islamic law.
• Ramadan: The Islamic fasting month during which eating and drinking are prohibited during daylight hours.
• Lebaran (Idul Fitri): The holiday following Ramadan, often involving returning home to spend time with family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is it acceptable to assign work during prayer times?
A1: It is generally best to avoid this. Especially during Dhuhr and Asr prayer times, many employees stop work to pray, so scheduling should consider this to avoid disruption.

Q2: Does fasting reduce work efficiency?
A2: It varies by individual, but while performance may remain normal in the morning, energy levels can drop in the afternoon. Considering shorter work hours or lighter workloads can be beneficial.

Q3: If female employees wear the hijab, are special workplace accommodations needed?
A3: Special accommodations are usually not required, but it is important to treat dress and behavior with respect. Flexible uniform policies are recommended.

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