The hilal, or new crescent moon that marks the start of a month in the Islamic calendar, was not observed, the ministry said.
“Based on moon sighting observations, we can confirm that the hilal was not visible. Therefore, the first day of Shawwal 1447 Hijri will fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026,” Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday.
He said the decision was based on observations conducted by ministry teams at 117 locations across Indonesia, which found that the crescent moon’s position did not meet the criteria agreed upon by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore under the MABIMS framework.
According to the observations, the crescent moon’s height across Indonesia ranged from 0°54′27″ (0.91°) to 3°07′52″ (3.13°), with elongation angles between 4°32′40″ (4.54°) and 6°06′11″ (6.10°).
These figures fall below the MABIMS visibility criteria, which require a minimum height of 3° and an elongation, or angular distance between two celestial bodies, of at least 6.4° for the start of a new Hijri month.
As a result, the government applied the istikmal method, completing Ramadan to 30 days, making March 21 the day of Eid al-Fitr.
The minister called on Indonesians to celebrate the holiday in unity while maintaining public order and security.
He delivered the announcement during the annual “isbat session,” the government’s official forum for determining the start of Eid al-Fitr.
Related news: Indonesian government declares Feb 19 as start of Ramadan
Translator: Sean Filo, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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