RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — The government has officially declared that 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri, marking Eid al-Fitr, will fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The decision was made during an isbat (confirmation) meeting held by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Jakarta on Thursday. Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stated that the determination was based on astronomical calculations (hisab) and moon sighting (rukyat) results verified nationwide.

“Based on the hisab results and the absence of any confirmed moon sightings, it has been agreed that 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri falls on Saturday, March 21, 2026,” the minister said during a press conference following the meeting.

He explained that, according to astronomical calculations, the الهلال (crescent moon) position on the 29th of Ramadan 1447 Hijri, March 19, 2026, across Indonesia ranged from 0.91 degrees to 3.13 degrees in altitude, with elongation angles between 4.54 degrees and 6.1 degrees.

He noted that these figures did not meet the visibility criteria set by MABIMS countries (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore), which require a minimum الهلال altitude of 3 degrees and elongation of 6.4 degrees.

In addition, moon sighting observations conducted at 117 locations across Indonesia did not result in any confirmed sightings.

“Reports received and verified indicate that not a single location successfully sighted the الهلال,” he said.

As a result, the government determined that Ramadan will be completed to 30 days, making Eid al-Fitr fall on March 21, 2026.

The isbat meeting was attended by several officials and representatives from institutions, including Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Muhammad Syafi’i, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Muhammad Cholil Nafis, Chairman of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives Marwan Dasopang, and Director General of Islamic Community Guidance Abu Rokhmad.

It was also attended by representatives from the Supreme Court, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), academicians, and Islamic astronomy (falak) experts from various Islamic organizations.

The minister added that the isbat meeting serves as a government-facilitated forum for determining the start of lunar months, especially those related to major Islamic observances affecting the wider Muslim community.

He noted that the implementation of the isbat meeting now refers to Ministerial Regulation (PMA) No. 1 of 2026 on the Organization of Isbat Meetings, which emphasizes the integration of hisab and rukyatulhilal methods.

“This meeting serves as a platform for deliberation and as an effort to maintain unity among Muslims, ensuring uniformity in observing religious practices and celebrating Islamic holidays,” he said.