Jakarta, February 25, 2026 – Ramadan not only reshapes daily routines across Indonesia, but also transforms the way people listen to music and podcasts. New data from Spotify reveals a significant shift in listening habits throughout the holy month.
Streams of religious-themed music nearly doubled compared to the week before Ramadan last year. Meanwhile, podcast consumption surged between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m.—a time when many listeners are preparing to start their day after suhoor and morning prayers.
These patterns highlight one clear insight: Ramadan is both deeply personal and profoundly communal—and audio plays an essential role in navigating it.
Calmer Music, More Reflective Podcasts
During Ramadan, listeners tend to gravitate toward softer, more contemplative music. Religious and reflective tracks become companions during quiet moments—whether at dawn before fasting begins, in the hours leading up to iftar, or during reflective evenings.
At the same time, early mornings have emerged as prime time for podcast listening. Interest in religious and spiritual content, educational discussions, and even comedy rises during this window. Podcasts serve not only as entertainment, but also as a source of guidance, insight, and light-hearted reflection before the day unfolds.
Dimas Ario, Lead Music Editor at Spotify Indonesia, explains that Ramadan playlist curation goes beyond data.“Data helps us identify listening patterns, but cultural context helps us understand their meaning. Ramadan is deeply personal, yet also collective. Understanding both aspects allows us to curate playlists that resonate with the different moments people experience throughout the month.”
From Suhoor to Iftar Gatherings: Every Moment Has Its Soundtrack
Ramadan carries its own unique rhythm. The music that accompanies suhoor preparations differs from what’s played during iftar gatherings. The atmosphere also shifts again during the Lebaran homecoming journey, often filled with nostalgia.
The tradition of bukber (iftar gatherings) is one of the most anticipated social moments of the month. Reuniting with school friends, former colleagues, or communities that may only meet once a year often brings back shared memories—and the songs that defined them.
Spotify captures this sentiment through nostalgic playlists such as Terbaik 2000an and Ngetren 2010an, which revive collective memories. For those seeking a more serene Ramadan experience, curated playlists like Sejuknya Ramadan and Ramadan Kamu 2026 offer a calmer, more reflective ambiance.
“Because Ramadan is also communal, nostalgic songs often feel especially relevant during moments of togetherness,” Dimas adds.
Ramadan Hub: A Dedicated Space for the Season
Each year, Spotify introduces the Ramadan Hub, a dedicated space featuring curated playlists and Ramadan-themed video podcasts. This year, several Indonesian creators are releasing special Ramadan episodes.
Among them is Ramadan Nanya-Nanya from Raditya Dika, featuring reflective conversations about life and well-being during Ramadan. LOGIN RESTART explores social issues related to religion and spirituality through thoughtful discussions infused with humor.
Meanwhile, Ramadan ESCAPE 2.0 by Raymond Chin presents bold and relevant discussions with Felix Siauw. Listeners can also enjoy special Ramadan episodes from other creators such as RJL 5, Gue Punya Cerita, and Rapot BUAKAKAK within the Ramadan Hub.
More Than Just Curation
Ultimately, Ramadan curation is more than assembling playlists or spotlighting popular podcasts. It requires a deep understanding of cultural context, emotional nuance, and the social dynamics that shape the holy month.
“This process begins with strong intention,” Dimas concludes. “Our role is to ensure that the content people discover feels aligned with the moment—so that music and podcasts can truly become meaningful companions.”
During a month filled with reflection and connection, audio becomes more than background sound. It is a companion—from the stillness of dawn to the warmth of iftar gatherings, and toward the hopeful anticipation of Eid.
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