RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has officially declared Eid al-Fitr 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri to fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The announcement is not merely about setting a date, but also reflects efforts to strengthen unity among Muslims in Indonesia.

“Based on the results of the hisab (calculation) and the absence of crescent moon sightings, it has been agreed that 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri falls on Saturday, March 21, 2026,” Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said at a press conference following the isbat (confirmation) meeting at the ministry’s office in Jakarta on Thursday, March 19, 2026, as quoted on the Ministry's official website.

The minister explained that the decision was based on two factors.

First, calculations showed that at the time of rukyat on Ramadan 29, 1447 H/March 19, 2026, the crescent moon across Indonesia was still below the horizon, with an altitude ranging from 0°54'27" (0.91°) to 3°07'52" (3.13°), and an elongation angle between 4°32'40" (4.54°) and 6°06'11" (6.10°).

“According to calculations, the crescent moon’s position does not meet the visibility criteria set by MABIMS,” he said, referring to the agreement among the Religious Affairs Ministers of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, which requires a crescent height of 3 degrees and an elongation angle of 6.4 degrees.

Second, observations conducted at 117 locations across Indonesia confirmed that no crescent moon was sighted. “Reports received and verified indicate that not a single location successfully observed the crescent,” Minister Nasaruddin said.

As a result, the method applied was istikmal, or completing the month to 30 days.

“These are the results of the isbat meeting that we have conducted and agreed upon. We hope this decision can serve as a basis for togetherness among Indonesian Muslims in celebrating Eid al-Fitr simultaneously, and as a symbol of unity in welcoming a better future,” he said.

The session was attended by Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Romo Muhammad Syafi’i, MUI Deputy Chairman Muhammad Cholil Nafis, House Commission VIII Chairman Marwan Dasopang, and Director General of Islamic Guidance Abu Rokhmad, along with representatives from friendly nations, the Supreme Court, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bosscha Observatory of Bandung Institute of Technology, Jakarta Planetarium, Islamic organizations, universities, and the ministry’s Hisab Rukyat Team.

Minister Nasaruddin emphasized the importance of the isbat meeting in determining the start of the lunar month, particularly for worship and major Islamic holidays. He said the state facilitates this process as part of its role as ulil amri (government authority).

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued Ministerial Regulation (PMA) No. 1/2026 on the Implementation of Isbat Meetings, providing a new legal basis for determining the start of Ramadan, Shawwal, and Zulhijah.

The regulation integrates hisab (calculation) and rukyatul hilal (crescent observation), while reinforcing legal certainty, transparency, and unity in determining the Hijri calendar nationally. In addition, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) fatwa No. 2/2004 also addresses the determination of Ramadan, Shawwal, and Zulhijah.

“This session serves as a forum for deliberation and an effort to maintain unity among Muslims, ensuring a shared space in determining the timing of worship and Eid al-Fitr,” Minister Nasaruddin said.

He hopes that Muslims across Indonesia will celebrate Eid al-Fitr with joy and harmony, and urged the public to maintain security, peace, and order during the holiday. ***