Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs will convene a meeting on February 17, 2026, to determine the start date of Ramadan, a pivotal event for the country’s large Muslim population. The announcement will provide clarity for both the broader community and specific Islamic organizations like Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah.
What is the Isbat Meeting and Why is it Important?
The Isbat meeting is an official forum used by the Indonesian government to determine the beginning of the Hijri calendar months, most notably Ramadan, Shawwal and Dzulhijjah. The outcome of this meeting will officially establish the first day of fasting in 2026, as well as the date for the first Tarawih prayers.
The meeting combines religious considerations with scientific data to ensure a transparent and accountable determination of the start of Ramadan 2026. This allows the public to prepare for the observance of the holy month with certainty.
When Will the 2026 Ramadan Isbat Meeting Take Place?
According to reports, the Isbat meeting for Ramadan 2026 is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, coinciding with 29 Sha’ban 1447 H. The meeting will begin at 4:00 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB), with the results typically announced after the Maghrib prayer or before the Isha prayer.
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The meeting will be held at the Borobudur Hotel in Central Jakarta, a change from the previously planned location at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Metrotvnews reported. The decision will officially determine the fasting schedule for NU, the government, and the general start of Ramadan in 2026.
Who Will Participate in the 2026 Ramadan Isbat Meeting?
The Isbat meeting will include representatives from various organizations to validate the results:
- The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)
- Representatives from the NU and Muhammadiyah Islamic organizations
- Experts in astronomy and falak (Islamic astronomy) to observe the novel moon
- The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG), the House of Representatives (DPR), and the Supreme Court
- Representatives from friendly countries’ embassies
Director General of Islamic Guidance, Abu Rokhmad, emphasized that the involvement of all parties aims to ensure the results of the Isbat meeting are clear, transparent, and accepted by the entire Muslim community.
How is the Start of the 2026 Rapid Determined?
The determination of the 2026 fasting period will utilize both scientific and religious methods to ensure the validity and accountability of the Isbat meeting’s results.
The Hisab Method
Hisab involves astronomical calculations to map the position of the new moon. This data helps answer questions such as whether tomorrow is the start of the fast, or what date the first day of fasting will fall on in 2026.
The Rukyat Method
Rukyat involves the direct observation of the new moon. In 2026, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will deploy observers to 96 locations across Indonesia.
Following the confirmation of both hisab and rukyat data, participants will deliberate to determine the dates for the start of Ramadan 2026 for Muhammadiyah, NU, and the first Tarawih prayers.
How to Check the Results of the Isbat Meeting
To stay informed, the public can find the results of the Isbat meeting through the following channels:
Live Streaming
Official Website
Social Media
- Instagram: @kemenag_ri, @bimasislam
- X (Twitter): @Kemenag_RI, @BimasIslam
- Facebook: Ditjen Pendis Kemenag RI
- TikTok: @kemenag_ri, @bimas_islam
These resources will provide the official date for the start of the 2026 fast, the date for NU’s observance, and the official start date for Ramadan 2026.
Conclusion
The results of the Isbat meeting will determine the schedule for fasting and the first Tarawih prayers in 2026 for all Muslims in Indonesia. This information will allow individuals to calculate how many days remain until Ramadan 2026, prepare for the first day of fasting, and plan their worship accordingly. This proves important to always refer to official sources to ensure the accuracy of the determination of when to begin fasting in 2026 for NU and the official start date of Ramadan 2026.
Sources
- https://www.detik.com/jateng/berita/d-8359416/hasil-sidang-isbat-awal-ramadan-2026-cek-di-sini
- https://www.metrotvnews.com/read/NrWC8REX-lokasi-sidang-isbat-penetapan-1-ramadan-berubah-cek-jadwal-terbarunya
