Indonesia Prepares for Potential Simultaneous Observance of Eid al-Fitr and Nyepi Day in 2026

Jakarta – Indonesia is preparing for the possibility of Eid al-Fitr and Nyepi Day falling on the same day in 2026, specifically March 19th. The Ministry of Religion has issued guidelines to ensure both religious observances can be carried out respectfully, particularly in Bali.

Coordination and Guidelines for Bali

The Ministry of Religion has coordinated with local governments and religious leaders in Bali to develop guidelines for this unique situation. These guidelines aim to maintain harmony and tolerance between Muslim and Balinese Hindu communities. The guidelines specifically apply to Bali, as stated by Thobib Al Asyhar, Head of the Public Relations and Public Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Religion. Source

Takbiran Restrictions During Nyepi

Muslims in Bali will be permitted to perform the takbiran (proclamation of faith) but with specific restrictions. These restrictions include:

• No use of loudspeakers
• Takbiran to be conducted within mosques or by walking to nearby mosques
• No firecrackers or other loud noises
• Sufficient, but not excessive, lighting
• Takbiran activities limited to the hours of 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM WITA (Western Indonesian Time)

Security and order during takbiran activities will be the responsibility of mosque or mushala (small prayer room) managers, in coordination with local security forces. Cooperation is expected from Village Adat Prajuru (traditional village leaders), pecalang (traditional Balinese security forces), Linmas (civil defense), and local officials. Source

Understanding Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr, as well known as Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, marks the complete of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. The term ‘Hari Raya’ means ‘great day,’ even as ‘Aidil Fitri’ originates from the Arabic ‘Id al-Fitr.’ It is a celebration of spiritual renewal and a return to one’s original, uncorrupted nature – or fitrah. Source

Predicted Date of Eid al-Fitr 2026

While the official date will be confirmed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on March 19, 2026, current predictions suggest Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah will fall on March 21, 2026. Source The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) also forecasts a high probability of the fresh moon being visible, aligning with the MABIMS criteria (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) of a minimum altitude of 3° and an elongation of 6.4°. Source

Isbat Session and MABIMS Criteria

The determination of the start of Shawwal (the month following Ramadan) in Indonesia is made through an isbat session conducted by the Ministry of Religion. This session includes representatives from various Islamic organizations, including NU, Muhammadiyah, PERSIS, and others, as well as experts in astronomy from institutions like BMKG and BRIN. Source

Indonesia adheres to the MABIMS criteria for observing the new moon, requiring a crescent moon height of at least 3 degrees and an elongation angle of 6.4 degrees. Source