Ministry of Religion Holds Initial Isbat Session for Ramadan 1447 H Today, February 17, 2026: Watch the Schedule and Stages

The Isbath session to determine the beginning of Ramadan will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia. (Ministry of Religion)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) of the Republic of Indonesia officially scheduled the Isbat Session to determine the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 H today, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The trial, which will determine the start of fasting for Muslims in Indonesia, will be centered at the M Rasjidi Auditorium, Office of the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta. This event is led directly by the Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar and attended by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), various representatives of Islamic community organizations (ormas) from all corners of the country, representatives of ambassadors of friendly countries, experts in astronomy, and representatives from the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia.

3 Main Stages of the Isbat Ramadan 1447 H Session

The government carries out a transparent and scientific standard procedure in determining the beginning of the Hijri month. The following are the three main stages to be passed:

Data Exposure Hisab (Astronomy): The Kemenag expert team will present the position of the hilal (young crescent moon) based on astronomical calculations as the initial scientific basis. Verification of Rukyatul Hilal Results: Direct verification of the hilal monitoring report from 37 rukyat points strategically spread throughout Indonesia. Deliberation and Decision Making: Panel discussion with all present elements to make final decisions to be announced through a press conference.

Determination method: Hisab and Rukyat integration

In determining the beginning of Ramadan, Syawal (Idulfitri), and Zulhijjah (Iduladha), the Ministry of Religion has consistently used an integration approach between hisab (calculations) and rukyat (field observation).

In addition, this year's implementation is strengthened by a new legal umbrella, namely the Minister of Religion Regulation (PMA) Number 1 of 2026. This regulation aims to increase transparency, legal certainty, and uniformity in the determination of Islamic major holidays nationally.

Who is Present in the Isbat Session?

To maintain accountability and the Shari'i side, the Isbat Session was attended by various important parties, including:

Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI). Representatives of Islamic organizations (Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah, etc.). Representatives of ambassadors of friendly countries. Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). Astronomy experts and representatives of the Supreme Court.

Potential Difference: Muhammadiyah Set 18 February 2026

Although the government will only decide on the results today, the Central Leadership (PP) of Muhammadiyah previously had determined that 1 Ramadan 1447 H fell on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The following is a summary of the differences in the methods used:

Government (Kemenag) Muhammadiyah Method Hisab Imkan Rukyat (MABIMS) Hisab Hakiki (KHGT) Date of Determination Waiting for the Isbat Session (17 Feb) Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Foundation MUI & PMA Fatwa No. 1/2026 PP Muhammadiyah Information

The public is urged to remain calm and wait for the official decision to be delivered by the Minister of Religion after the trial ends. Differences in methods are common in ijtihad and it is hoped that they will maintain the spirit of unity of the people.