Istana: Differences in the beginning of fasting do not need to be questioned

JAKARTA - The Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi considers that the difference in the initial time of the implementation of fasting in Indonesia does not need to be questioned and exaggerated, but rather be treated with mutual respect between Muslims.

"That this year's fasting may have a difference in terms of time, it is something that does not need to be discussed, does not need to be exaggerated," said Prasetyo as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, February 18.

According to Prasetyo, mutual respect should be prioritized considering that some Muslims in the country have already started fasting.

"Rather, we must respect each other because we all know that some of our brothers and sisters are Muslims who have also started fasting today," he said.

On that occasion, Prasetyo, representing President Prabowo Subianto and the Government, congratulated all Muslims in Indonesia for fasting.

"We represent the President, representing the government also want to convey congratulations on fasting to all Muslims in Indonesia," he said.

Previously, the Government through the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) held an Isbat Session on Tuesday (17/2) and determined the beginning of fasting or 1 Ramadhan 1447 Hijriah/2026 Masehi to fall on Thursday, February 19.

The Isbat session considered initial information based on the results of astronomical calculations (hisab) and field confirmation results through the hilal monitoring mechanism (rukyatul).

The trial was attended by a number of representatives of religious organizations, astronomy experts, Commission VIII of the DPR, and representatives of friendly countries.

The decision is different from the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership (PP) which determined the beginning of Ramadan one day earlier or fell on Wednesday, through the hisab method.

This is as stated in the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership Information Number 2/MLM/I.0/E/2025 and the explanation of the Tarjih and Tajdid Assembly Number 01/MLM/I.1/B/2025.

This determination uses the Single Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT) as a new method that is now the official reference of Muhammadiyah, replacing the wujudul hilal method that was previously used.