Using Advanced Astronomical Metrics, Indonesia Officially Declares Eid al-Adha 2026

Jakarta, UIN Online New – The Indonesian government has officially determined that 1 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 Hijriah corresponds to Monday, May 18, 2026. Consequently, the Feast of the Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha 1447 H, will be celebrated across the nation on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The decision was announced by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, during a press conference following the centralized Isbat (confirmation) sunset meeting at the Ministry of Religious Affairs headquarters on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

This statutory declaration relies on a dual-method system combining mathematical calculation (hisab) and physical astronomical sighting (rukyat) monitored across the Indonesian archipelago. The state council was spearheaded by the Minister of Religious Affairs and attended by representatives of mainstream Islamic organizations, parliament members, professional astronomers, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

The Minister explained that during the sunset observation, the crescent moon (hilal) was positioned at an altitude ranging from 3 degrees 17 minutes to 6 degrees 56 minutes, with an elongation angle between 8 degrees 54 minutes and 10 degrees 37 minutes. This technical data easily surpasses the official MABIMS criteria used regionally by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore to establish a new lunar month.

The Ministry coordinated physical sightings at 88 strategic observation points spanning the country's vast maritime territory. According to the field validation reports, the crescent moon was officially confirmed and sighted by two certified observers, KH S Azka and Zarkasi, in Lamongan, East Java. Both observers were formally sworn under oath by the local religious court judge to ensure legal validity.

"Therefore, based on our astronomical calculations and verified physical sightings that satisfy all regulatory frameworks, the Isbat Council has reached a consensus that 1 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 Hijriah begins on Monday, May 18, 2026," the Minister declared.

He expressed hope that this centralized announcement would serve as a unified guideline for Muslims across Indonesia to prepare for the sacred rituals of Dhul-Hijjah, including the Tarwiyah and Arafah fasting days, the Eid prayers, and the sacrificial slaughter routines.

"May this momentum of Eid al-Adha reinforce communal bonds, strengthen our spiritual brotherhood, and solidify our solidarity as a unified nation," he noted.

The Minister also urged the Muslim community to maximize their spiritual devotion in the days leading up to the holy celebration.

Concluding his remarks, he offered a prayer for the safety of the massive contingent of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims currently executing their pilgrimage rites in Saudi Arabia, hoping they complete their journey smoothly and return home safely.

(Press Release of the Ministry of Religious Affairs)