IKN Observes Hilal Sighting for The First Time

RRI.CO.ID, Nusantara – For the first time, the new Indonesian capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), served as an official observation point for the Islamic crescent moon (hilal), marking the start of Ramadan 1447 H. The observation took place at Rusun ASN 1 Tower D on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

The moon sighting was organized by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of East Kalimantan at the request of Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. IKN was chosen for its high, open observation points, suitable for hilal sighting.

Head of the IKN Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, said the initiative reflects the capital’s potential as not only a center of governance but also a venue for national religious activities. The future Grand Mosque in IKN is expected to further reinforce this role.

“Being selected as a hilal observation point is an honor for IKN. It also marks IKN’s growing role in national religious activities, joining 96 other observation points across Indonesia,” Basuki said.

In the meantime, Head of the East Kalimantan Ministry of Religious Affairs, Abdul Khaliq, reported that the moon was not visible during this observation.

“Today, the hilal was still below the horizon according to BMKG data, so it could not be sighted,” he said.

Even though the crescent was not visible, the event marks a historic moment for IKN, emphasizing Nusantara’s role as a space for both governance and religious life. Observers say it signals a broader vision of the capital as a cultural and spiritual hub in Indonesia’s future.