Mother's Day in Indonesia is celebrated on December 22, 2025, commemorating the first Indonesian Women's Congress in 1928 in Yogyakarta. The observance highlights women's political roles alongside appreciation for mothers' sacrifices in family life. Various ways, such as simple gifts and meaningful messages, form part of this year's commemoration.
Indonesia's Mother's Day, observed on December 22, has roots in a historic political event. The first Indonesian Women's Congress took place from December 22 to 25, 1928, in Yogyakarta, attended by about 30 women's organizations from diverse backgrounds, including Muslim women, nationalists, and educational groups. They discussed concrete issues such as child marriage, polygamy, women's education, the right to organize, and women's position in the national struggle. Figures like Soewarni Pringgodigdo, Nyi Hajar Dewantara, and Siti Sundari, along with organizations such as Aisyiyah, Wanita Taman Siswa, and Poetri Indonesia, played key roles. According to Jani Purnawanty, a lecturer at Airlangga University, the commemoration often overlooks its political aspects in favor of maternal sentimentality.
From an Islamic perspective, devotion to mothers is prioritized over fathers. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) responded to a man's question about who deserves the best treatment by saying "Your mother" three times, then "Your father." Dr. Abdullah Nashin Ulwan explains the main reasons: mothers endure pregnancy, childbirth, nursing, and intensive child-rearing, as mentioned in the Quran, Surah Luqman verse 14. Mothers also embody deep emotional bonds, love, and tenderness.
In 2025, celebrations include simple gift ideas like matching pajamas, spa vouchers, family photo albums, self-care baskets, aromatherapy candles, easy-care houseplants, and special mother-child photo frames. Messages such as "Happy Mother's Day, thank you for your endless love and sacrifices" serve as ways to express gratitude. Atalia Praratya, a DPR member recently divorced from Ridwan Kamil, shared an Instagram message: "To all the amazing women who choose to persevere, who often keep their fatigue to themselves, yet share their love without reserve, thank you for being home, the warmest place to return to." This highlights women's resilience amid dual domestic and public burdens.
