Ramadan 2026: Here are 96 locations to monitor the crescent from Aceh to Papua

Al-Hilal security activities in determining the beginning of Ramadan (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Ahead of the arrival of Ramadan 2026/1447 Hijriah, the government through the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) is preparing to monitor the hilal (rukyatulhilal) simultaneously in 96 locations spread from Aceh to Papua.

This activity will be held on Tuesday, February 17, coinciding with the implementation of the isbat trial to determine the beginning of Ramadan which was held at the HM Rasjidi Auditorium, Office of the Ministry of Religion, Jakarta.

The monitoring of the crescent moon is a crucial part of the process of determining the beginning of the month of Ramadan. The results of observations from all these points will be the main material for discussion in the isbat session as well as official guidelines for Muslims in Indonesia in determining the first day of Ramadan fasting 2026.

The initial determination of Ramadan in Indonesia is carried out through two scientific and syarial approaches, namely hisab (astronomical calculations) and rukyat (direct observation of the crescent).

Based on the initial data of the calculation, the position of the crescent moon on February 17, 2026 is estimated to be around or below the horizon at sunset. However, direct observations will still be carried out to ensure the accuracy and validity of the data before the official decision is made.

This approach reflects the Islamic scientific tradition that combines modern astronomical science with the long-standing rukyat practice in Indonesia.

The Ramadan 2026 isbat session involves various elements of the government and related institutions, including the Ministry of Religion, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), experts in astronomy and the rukyat calculation team, as well as representatives of Islamic community organizations.

This cross-agency collaboration aims to ensure that the initial determination of Ramadan 2026 is carried out scientifically, transparently, and accountable.

List of 96 Locations to Monitor the Ramadan Hilal 2026

Aceh

Tgk Chiek Kuta Karang Observatory, Lhoknga.

North Sumatra

Floor IX of the North Sumatra governor's office.

West Sumatra

Floor 3 West Pasaman DPRD Building - Padang Tujuh.Bukit Nganang - Payakumbuh City.Puncak Langkisau - Carocok Painan.Balcone Hotel - Tilatang Kamang.Panorama 2 Situnjau Laut - Solok Regency.Ministry of Religion office - South Solok.Jorong Sikaladi - Tanah Datar.Salter Gandoriah Beach - Pariaman.Dusun Simpang - Sawahlunto.Puncak Tonang - Pasaman.Pasir Tiku - Agam.Bukik Gadang Hotel - Muaro Sijunjung.Ketaping Beach - Padang Pariaman.Wisko Kuaro Taeh Bukik - Lima Puluh City.Bukit Gado-Gado - Padang City.

Riau

Rooftop Hotel Sonaview — Dumai.

Riau Islands

Tanjung Setumu Beach - Tanjungpinang. Sultan Riayat Syah Mosque - Batam. Pelawan Beach - Karimun. Arung Hijau - Anambas Islands. Tugu Khatulistiwa - Lingga.

Jambi

Rooftop Bank Jambi floor 14 - Jambi City.

South Sumatra

Helipad Hotel Aryaduta - Palembang.

Bangka Belitung

Tanjung Raya Penagan Beach - Bangka. Tanjung Kalian Beach - West Bangka. Tanjung Tinggi Beach - Belitung.

Bengkulu

Pasir Putih Beach - Bengkulu City.

Lampung

POB Bukit Gelumpai - Kalianda.

Jakarta

Kanwil Kemenag Jakarta.Masjid Raya Hasyim Asy'ari.Masjid Musariin Pesantren Alhidayah Basmol.Pulau Karya / Pulau Pramuka (tentatif).Rumah Falak.Monumen Nasional (Monas).

West Java

Astha Hannas Moon Observation Center Foundation - Subang.

Banten

Anyer Beach - Serang.

Central Java

Planetarium and Observatory KH Zubair Umar Al-Jailani - Semarang. Pasuudhan Sunan Bonang - Rembang. Assalaam Observatory - Sukoharjo. Laboratory Asy-Syira - Surakarta. Pantai Padelan - Kebumen. Rooftop Hotel Aston Inn - Cilacap. Pantai Kartini - Jepara. Menara Masjid Agung Nurul Kalam - Pemalang. Pantai Alam Indah - Tegal. MAN 2 Kudus. Rooftop Fakultas Syariah UIN KH Abdurrahman Wahid - Pekalongan. MTs Abadiyah - Pati. Menara Pandang Teratai - Banyumas. Lantai 6 Kantor Pemerintahan Terpadu - Brebes. Pelabuhan Perikanan Nusantara - Pekalongan.

Special Region of Yogyakarta

POB Syekh Belabelu - Bantul. Griya Antariksa Soropadan - Sleman. Bukit Brambang - Gunungkidul. Yogyakarta International Airport - Kulon Progo.

East Java

Floor 9 Santika Hotel - Blitar. The peak of Bukit Banjarsari - Blitar. Srau Beach - Pacitan. Lighthouse - Jember. Pancur Alas Purwo Beach - Banyuwangi. Duta Beach - Probolinggo. Banyuurip Village - Tuban. Al Basyariyyah Boarding House - Madiun. PT BPR Bank Jombang Hall and Rooftop - Jombang.

Kalimantan

Pantai Indah Kakap - Kubu Raya. Menara Masjid Raya Darussalam - Palangka Raya. Menara Asmaul Husna Masjid Baitul Muttaqien - Samarinda. Masjid IKN - Otorita IKN. Rooftop RS Medical Center Amanah - Banjarmasin. SATRAD 225 Tarakan - North Kalimantan.

Bali and Nusa Tenggara

Sekeh Beach, Patra Jasa - Bali. POB Desa Teniga - North Lombok. BMKG Service Building - Kupang. Gurita Bay - Belu.

Sulawesi

Muhammadiyah University - Makassar. Kemenag City of Parepare. Soreang Beach - Majene. Pasangkayu Lighthouse. Tanjung Sumare Lighthouse - Mamuju. Watubangga Beach - Kolaka. MTC Megamas parking area - Manado. Roof Top IAIN Sultan Amai - Gorontalo. POB BMKG Desa Marana - Donggala.

Maluku and Papua

Karpan - Ambon.Latuhalat - Ambon. Floor 2 of the BMKG office - Tanimbar Islands. Ngilngof Village - Southeast Maluku. Kalipassa Peak - West Seram. Misa Village - Central Maluku. Salabung Mountain - Buru. Central Ropu Balu Beach - West Halmahera. Afe Taduma Beach - Ternate. Lampu Satu Beach - Merauke. Masni Beach - Manokwari.

After monitoring Hilal and after all the rukyat data from 96 points are collected, the expert team will present the results in the isbat hearing. In the forum, the hisab and rukyat data will be analyzed comprehensively before a formal decision is made.

The government will then announce publicly to the public about when 1 Ramadan 1447 H or Ramadan 2026 begins.

The spread of 96 points to monitor the hilal reflects the wide geographical coverage of Indonesia as well as the government's commitment to ensuring that the early determination of Ramadan is carried out accurately and representative.

With a scientific approach, the involvement of experts, and cross-agency coordination, the initial decision on Ramadan 2026 is expected to provide certainty that can guide the worship of Muslims throughout Indonesia.