Nusantara Hilal Observation Supports Eid Determination

RRI.CO.ID, Nusantara - Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara, has been included as one of the official locations for moon sighting to determine the start of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri. The observation recorded the hilal position slightly above 2 degrees with an elongation of 4.51 degrees.

The observation was conducted in the Core Government Area (KIPP) by teams from the Ministry of Religious Affairs of East Kalimantan and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The site was selected due to its relatively clear western horizon.

Despite favorable conditions, the crescent moon was not visible as it did not meet the visibility criteria set by the regional MABIMS agreement. The standard requires a minimum altitude of 3 degrees and elongation of 6.4 degrees.

Authorities emphasized that the observation results serve as an important scientific and religious reference. Final determination remains subject to the official isbat session (official verification meeting) held by the Government of Indonesia.

Following the national isbat session in Jakarta, the government officially declared that Eid al-Fitr will fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The decision was announced by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar.

“Based on astronomical calculations and the absence of verified moon sightings, it has been agreed that 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri falls on Saturday, March 21, 2026,” he stated.

The inclusion of Nusantara as a hilal observation point reflects its growing role beyond governance. It highlights the city’s contribution to Indonesia’s religious and cultural life.

Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, also attended the observation and extended Eid greetings.

“May all our acts of worship during Ramadan be accepted, and may we meet again in the next Ramadan,” he said on Thursday, 19 March 2026.

This initiative demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to integrating spiritual values within the development of its new capital. It also reinforces Nusantara’s role as an inclusive space for national unity and religious harmony.