Indonesia Announces Ramadan Start Date for 2026
Jakarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially announced that Ramadan 1447 Hijri will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following an Isbat (confirmation) meeting held in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.1
Determining the Start of Ramadan
The decision was made after considering both astronomical calculations (hisab) and physical sightings of the crescent moon (rukyatul hilal) from observation points across Indonesia.1 The Isbat meeting, which commenced at 4:30 p.m. Local time, brought together representatives from Islamic organizations, religious scholars, astronomers, and government officials.1
Differing Opinions on the Start Date
This determination differs from the view of Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations, which had previously set the start of Ramadan for Wednesday, February 18, 2026.1 This discrepancy arises from the different methodologies employed to calculate the beginning of the lunar month.
MABIMS Criteria and Hilal Visibility
According to Cecep Nurwendaya, a member of the ministry’s moon-sighting team, the position of the hilal (crescent moon) in Indonesia during observation ranged between minus 2 degrees 24 minutes 43 seconds and minus 0 degrees 55 minutes 41 seconds, with an elongation between 0 degrees 56 minutes 23 seconds and 1 degree 53 minutes 36 seconds.1
The Indonesian government adheres to the MABIMS criteria – a regional agreement among the Religious Affairs Ministers of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore – which requires the hilal to reach a minimum height of 3 degrees with an elongation of 6.4 degrees to be officially recognized.1 As these criteria were not met, the government set the commencement of Ramadan for Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Observing Ramadan in Indonesia
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.2 Exemptions are typically granted to children, the elderly, travelers, and those who are ill.2
In Indonesia, fasting typically lasts between 12 and 13 hours each day, beginning shortly before sunrise (imsak) and ending at sunset with the maghrib prayer.2
Traditions and Observances
Breaking the fast (iftar) often involves consuming light snacks like dates and traditional sweet treats known as takjil, such as kolak and gorengan.2 Group fast-breaking meals (buka bersama) are common among families, friends, and colleagues.2
Religious observances during Ramadan include increased attendance at mosques, nightly tarawih prayers, and Quran recitation.2 The final days of Ramadan culminate in the observance of Laylat al-Qadr and conclude with Idul Fitri, marking the end of the fasting month.
Religious Holiday Allowance
Employers in Indonesia are legally obligated to provide a religious holiday allowance (Tunjangan Hari Raya or THR), equivalent to one month’s salary, to eligible employees.3