Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Religious Affairs officially announced on Thursday (19/3/2026) that Eid al-Fitr will fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The decision was reached during the Isbat, or the official determination meeting,  after astronomical observations across 117 points in Indonesia failed to sight the new moon.

"Based on astronomical calculations and the fact that the new moon was not visible, it is agreed that 1 Syawal 1447 Hijriah falls on Saturday, 21 March 2026," said Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, as cited by antaranews.com.

The authorities justified this date by applying the istikmal method, which is completing the month of Ramadan to a full 30 days, since the hilal did not meet the MABIMS criteria.

The MABIMS standard requires a minimum moon altitude of 3 degrees and an elongation angle of 6.4 degrees; however, current reports showed the moon at a maximum of 3.13 degrees with insufficient elongation in many regions. 

Minister Nasaruddin said that the Isbat meeting serves as a unifying formal mechanism for the nation's Muslim community. He urged the public to maintain order and security throughout the festivities, highlighting that the synchronized celebration should serve as a symbol of national unity.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)