JAKARTA - Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar emphasized that the Isbat Session remains the only official government mechanism in determining the beginning of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah. This was conveyed by the Menag in response to the dynamics of differences in determining the beginning of fasting in the community.
In an interview with TVOne on Tuesday (17/2/2026) which was reported by the kemenag.go.id channel, the Minister of Religion explained that historically, the Isbat Session has become the main reference for the Indonesian nation in determining important religious days.
"The Ministry of Religion as a representative of the government of course needs to confirm directly by looking at the position of the crescent moon and decided through the Isbat Meeting," said the Minister of Religion.
The order will set the beginning of Ramadan in the isbat session which will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 afternoon, at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Religion, Jakarta. Or for those who want to watch the isbat session via live streaming can through the following official accounts:
https://www.youtube.com/live/yr6VS6nAeNcsiMcPsn6-e-xPVqKLEhttps://www.youtube.com/live/DUonhRBET98siK4ELzspI4h98EXCxTechnical Reasons for the Difficult to See the Hilal in Indonesia
This year, the government is monitoring the hilal at 96 points throughout Indonesia. However, the Minister of Religion revealed a considerable astronomical challenge. Based on current technology data, the position of the hilal in Indonesia is still very low.
Position of the crescent: Between minus $2^\circ 24' 42''$ to $0^\circ 58' 47''$. Condition: With these numbers, it is scientifically almost impossible to see the crescent (seen directly).Knowing the MABIMS criteria (3-6,4)
Indonesia together with MABIMS member countries (Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, and Singapore) uses a more accurate and empirical criteria for the visibility of the crescent moon. The following are the minimum requirements for the crescent moon to be considered valid:
Parameter Criteria Minimum Description Height of the crescent $3^\circ$ (three degrees) Above the horizon at sunset. Elongation $6.4^\circ$ Angle distance of the moon-sun (Danjon Limit).The Minister of Religion explained that this criterion was raised from the previous $2^\circ$ to $3^\circ$ based on the latest astronomical research to ensure higher certainty for the community.
Responding to Differences with Maturity
Referring to the potential differences with Islamic organizations such as Muhammadiyah which use the KHGT method (Single Global Hijri Calendar), the Minister of Religion invited the public to remain calm. According to him, the difference in methods is part of the wealth of Islamic jurisprudence.
"Indonesia remains peaceful and has experienced differences in determining 1 Ramadan in previous years. We have experience in uniting in the midst of differences," said Nasaruddin Umar.
The Minister of Religion hopes that the public will not be caught up in unproductive debates regarding the start date of fasting. Although there is the idea of a Global Hijri Calendar that has begun to be promoted in international forums (OIC), Indonesia currently still adheres to the MABIMS agreement as the basis for official determination.
"Let us live in harmony in the midst of differences. The government hopes that the early determination of Ramadan 1447 H can be accepted wisely by all elements of society," he concluded.
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