Every 22 December, Indonesians are celebrating “Hari Ibu”. A lot of Indonesian mothers will receive warm congratulatory messages from their friends, colleagues, and especially their husband and kids.
But, unbeknownst to many Indonesians, Hari Ibu is actually not a day to celebrate mothers and motherhood. Curious? Let’s take a dive about what “Hari Ibu” in Indonesia is actually about.
A Common Misunderstanding
Among so many Indonesians, Hari Ibu is often assumed to be the local equivalent of Mother’s Day. The name itself seems to confirm this assumption, since Hari Ibu literally translates to “Mother’s Day.”
However, this interpretation actually misses the historical and political roots of the commemoration.
Unlike Mother’s Day in many countries, which focuses on celebrating motherhood, family roles, and maternal affection, Indonesia’s Hari Ibu is fundamentally about women’s movements, nationalism, and collective struggle.
It is a remembrance of a milestone in Indonesian women’s history rather than a day centered solely on individual mothers.
Historical Origin of Hari Ibu
Indonesia’s Hari Ibu is observed every year on 22 December. This date marks the opening day of the First Women’s Congress in Indonesia in 1928, held in Yogyakarta.
At that time, Indonesia was still under Dutch colonial rule, and nationalist movements were gaining momentum across the archipelago.
Women from various regions and backgrounds came together to discuss issues affecting their lives and the future of the nation.
These discussions included education for girls, child marriage, women’s rights within marriage, and the broader role of women in the struggle for independence.
The congress was not a symbolic gathering, but a serious political and social effort. It demonstrated that women were not merely passive supporters of nationalism, but active participants shaping ideas about independence, social reform, and equality.
Hari Ibu was later officially designated to honor this congress and the spirit of women’s unity and activism it represented.
The Meaning of “Ibu” in Indonesian Society
One reason Hari Ibu is often misunderstood lies in the cultural meaning of the word “ibu.” While “ibu” does mean “mother,” it is also a common and respectful form of address for adult women, especially older women, whether or not they have children.
In daily life, Indonesians may call a female teacher, neighbor, shopkeeper, or colleague “ibu” as a sign of respect.
Because of this broader meaning, Hari Ibu is better understood as “Women’s Day” in a contextual sense, even though Indonesia already has International Women’s Day on 8 March.
The use of the word “ibu” reflects respect for women’s social roles and contributions, not just their biological role as mothers. This linguistic nuance is key to understanding why the commemoration is not equivalent to Mother’s Day as celebrated elsewhere.
How It Differs from Mother’s Day Elsewhere
In many countries, Mother’s Day emphasizes personal appreciation, often marked by gifts, cards, flowers, and expressions of gratitude toward one’s mother. The focus is intimate and domestic, highlighting emotional bonds within families.
Indonesia’s Hari Ibu, at least in its original intention, has a different focus. It is meant to honor women’s collective contributions to society, nation-building, and social progress.
While modern celebrations in Indonesia sometimes resemble Mother’s Day, with children thanking their mothers and schools organizing ceremonies, these practices developed later and are not the historical foundation of the day.
The original spirit of Hari Ibu is rooted in activism, dialogue, and social awareness rather than domestic celebration alone.
Women, Nationalism, and Social Change
The First Women’s Congress symbolized a turning point in Indonesian history, showing that women were deeply involved in shaping the nation’s future.
Participants came from diverse ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds, yet they found common ground in addressing shared challenges.
Their discussions went beyond women’s issues in isolation and connected them to the broader struggle against colonialism and social injustice.
By commemorating this congress, Hari Ibu serves as a reminder that Indonesian women have long been agents of change. It acknowledges their role not only within families, but also in politics, education, and social movements.
This perspective challenges narrow definitions of women’s contributions and highlights their public and historical significance.
Maybe It Should Be Changed to “Women’s Day”?
Understanding the true meaning of Hari Ibu is important because it shapes how the day is remembered and celebrated. When it is treated only as Mother’s Day, the historical struggle and collective achievements of Indonesian women risk being overshadowed.
Recognizing its roots in the women’s movement encourages reflection on ongoing issues such as gender equality, access to education, and women’s participation in leadership.
Hari Ibu is not just a day to say thank you to one’s mother, although appreciation is never inappropriate. It is, more importantly, a day to remember the courage, solidarity, and vision of Indonesian women who gathered in 1928 to imagine a more just society.
Maybe the Indonesian Government should change it into its own “Women’s Day”. First, because it was the original intention. Second, it would be celebrated more widely since not all women are mothers, but all mothers are certainly women.
