Ramadan 2026: Starts February 19th – Official Government Ruling
Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially announced that Ramadan 1447 Hijriah, corresponding to February 19, 2026, will mark the beginning of the Islamic holy month. The determination was made following a comprehensive “Sidang Isbat” – a meeting for the confirmation of the start of Ramadan – held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the Hotel Borobudur in Jakarta.
Determining the Start of Ramadan
Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, announced the decision following the Sidang Isbat. He stated, “Sidang Isbat menyepakati bahwa 1 Ramadan 1447 Hijriah jatuh pada hari Kamis, 19 Februari 2026.” The process involved a careful consideration of both astronomical calculations (“hisab”) and the actual sighting of the new moon (“rukyat”).
The Ministry’s team, along with representatives from various Islamic organizations, conducted observations at a minimum of 96 locations across Indonesia. These observations were crucial in confirming the lunar sighting.
Astronomical Considerations
According to the Ministry, the height of the new moon (hilal) across the Indonesian archipelago remained below the horizon, ranging from -2° 24‘ 43“ (-2.41°) to -0° 55‘ 41“ (-0.93°). The elongation angle, measuring the angular distance between the sun and moon, ranged from 0° 56‘ 23“ (0.94°) to 1° 53‘ 36“ (1.89°).
Minister Umar explained that these measurements did not meet the criteria established by MABIMS – a collaboration between the Ministers of Religious Affairs from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. MABIMS requires a minimum hilal height of 3° and an elongation angle of at least 6.4° for the new moon to be visible.
Confirmation Through Rukyat
The findings from the astronomical calculations were further corroborated by reports from the “rukyat” teams deployed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. No sightings of the new moon were reported from any of the 96 observation points across Indonesia. Reports from other Islamic nations also indicated that the new moon was not visible, and even the Turkish Hijri calendar did not begin Ramadan on the preceding day.
Minister Umar emphasized the importance of unity among Indonesian Muslims, stating, “Semoga momentum ini menjadi simbol kebersamaan umat Islam sekaligus mencerminkan persatuan kita sebagai anak bangsa dalam menyongsong masa depan yang lebih baik.” He also acknowledged the possibility of differing opinions and urged respect for those who may hold alternative beliefs.
The Sidang Isbat was attended by key figures including Vice Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Syafi’i, Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR Marwan Dasopang, Chairman of the MUI Anwar Iskandar, and Director General of Islamic Guidance Abu Rokhmad, alongside leaders from various Islamic organizations, astronomers, and representatives from BMKG, BRIN, and other relevant institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2026 begin in Indonesia?
Based on the Sidang Isbat, Ramadan 1447 Hijriah will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
What methods were used to determine the start of Ramadan?
The determination was based on both “hisab” (astronomical calculations) and “rukyat” (the actual sighting of the new moon) at 96 locations across Indonesia.
What is the significance of the MABIMS criteria?
The MABIMS criteria, established by Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, set the minimum requirements for the height and elongation angle of the new moon to be considered visible, and were not met in this instance.
As the date approaches, will the collective observance of Ramadan by Indonesian Muslims strengthen community bonds and shared traditions?