Kemenag Hisab: Ramadan 1447 Hilal Falls Below Horizon
The Kementerian Agama RI announced that the position of the hilal, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah, has not met the visibility criteria within Indonesia, as discussed during the Seminar Sidang Isbat at Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta, on February 17, 2026. Current calculations indicate the hilal remains below the horizon after sunset, making it impossible for observation (rukyat) to take place. This decision reflects a calculated adherence to criteria set forth by the MABIMS group—comprising Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore—which dictate that the hilal must have a minimum height of three degrees above the horizon and an elongation or the angular distance between the Moon and the Sun of at least 6.4 degrees.
As per data from the Kementerian Agama’s Hisab Rukyat team, the calculations suggest that Ramadan is anticipated to start on Thursday, February 19, 2026. While this date is informative, it is not yet an official confirmation, as the process requires further verification through rukyat. Team member Cecep Nurwendaya elaborated on the celestial positioning of the Sun and Moon in Central Jakarta the same evening. With the Moon’s movement trailing that of the Sun, the visibility of the hilal remains unattainable. The Sun set at 18:15:17 WIB, with the Moon’s position not yet viable for sighting, effectively delaying the commencement of Ramadan.
Understanding the Implications of Hilal Visibility
The reliance on both the hisab (astronomical calculation) and the rukyat (sighting) methods to determine the start of Ramadan reveals complex interactions between tradition and modernity within Islamic sectors across the region. Following the MABIMS criteria, the astronomical data produced indicated that no region in Indonesia met the necessary conditions on the evaluated date.
| Stakeholder | Before the Announcement | After the Announcement |
|---|---|---|
| Kementerian Agama | Set expectations for sighting Ramadan hilal | Confirmed no visibility, shifting anticipation |
| Muslim Community | Prepared for Ramadan starting on the 19th | Waiting for official confirmation post-sidang isbat |
| Religious Leaders | Ready to lead Ramadan activities | Delaying scheduled events based on rulings |
The Broader Context of Ramadan Observance
This event not only reverberates across Indonesia but also affects other regions, particularly where Muslim communities are concentrated, such as in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. These countries, reliant on a synchrony with the Indonesian government regarding Islamic observances, now face discord due to the delayed start of Ramadan. This discrepancy may lead to varied observation periods, thus raising questions concerning communal unity and collective religious practices.
Projected Outcomes Following the Announcement
The ramifications of this announcement extend beyond the initial implications. Several developments are likely to evolve in the ensuing weeks:
- Pre-Ramadan Activities: Religious organizations may need to adjust their schedules, leading to potential conflicts in community gatherings.
- Increased Scrutiny of Rukyat Practices: Greater emphasis will be put on the accuracy and reliability of rukyat observations, potentially driving innovations in how religious authorities engage with these traditional practices.
- International Reactions: Countries may reassess how they align their Islamic calendars with Indonesia, leading to broader discussions about the need for unified criteria across countries.
In conclusion, the inability to confirm the hilal’s visibility has implications that extend far beyond the immediate religious context, resonating through communities globally and necessitating adaptations as Ramadan approaches.
