inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will hold an isbat (determination) session to determine the beginning of Zulhijah 1447 Hijri on 29 Zulkaidah 1447 Hijri, which falls on May 17, 2026. This session will also announce the date of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijri for Muslims in Indonesia.

"The isbat session is a deliberative forum that brings together the government, Islamic organizations, and astronomers to determine the beginning of the Hijri month," said Abu Rokhmad, Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, on Wednesday (5/6/2026).

Abu explained that the process of determining the beginning of Zulhijah is carried out by integrating the hisab (astronomical calculations) and rukyat (crescent moon observation) methods. These two approaches complement each other in producing a comprehensive decision.

According to him, hisab data provides an initial picture of the position of the crescent moon, while rukyat provides factual confirmation through direct observation at various monitoring points throughout Indonesia.

"This approach ensures that decisions are not only based on scientific data but also confirmed through field observations," he said.

The series of isbat meetings will begin with a seminar on the crescent moon position, presenting astronomical data from the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Hisab Rukyat Team. This seminar will be broadcast openly as a form of transparency for the public. 

Afterward, the committee will receive reports on the results of the crescent moon sighting from various observation locations, from western to eastern Indonesia.

"Next, the Minister of Religious Affairs will lead the meeting, listening to the participants' considerations before officially determining the start of Zulhijjah," concluded Abu.

Based on preliminary data, the crescent moon position meets the MABIMS crescent moon visibility criteria. Calculations show the crescent moon's height is above 3 degrees and its elongation is above 6.4 degrees, thus theoretically meeting the criteria for imkan for rukyat.

However, this data is still predictive and has not yet become the basis for an official determination. 

"The determination of the start of Zulhijjah remains pending the results of the rukyat and the decision of the isbat meeting, which is the official government authority," explained Abu.

The results of the isbat meeting will be announced through a press conference as a shared reference for Muslims in Indonesia. 

"If asked when Eid al-Adha will be, we urge the public to wait for the results of the isbat meeting on May 17, 2026," said Director General Abu.

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