The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs is scheduled to conduct an isbat session on the afternoon of Sunday, May 17, 2026, to determine the beginning of Zulhijah 1447 Hijriah for Eid al-Adha.
The session, which coincides with the 29th of Zulkaidah 1447 Hijriah, will be held at the HM Rasjidi Auditorium within the Ministry of Religious Affairs office in Jakarta.
Session Schedule and Structure
Arsad Hidayat, the Director of Islamic Religious Affairs and Sharia Development, stated that the proceedings are divided into three distinct phases:
- 4:30 PM: A public seminar focusing on the position of the hilal for the start of Zulhijah 1447 Hijriah.
- 6:00 PM: A closed isbat session taking place after the maghrib prayer.
- 7:00 PM: A press conference to announce the final results of the session.
Coordination and Observation Infrastructure
The determination process relies on a broad network of 88 observation points located across various regions of Indonesia. This effort is supported by cross-institutional coordination involving the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Religious Courts, and various Islamic organizations.
According to Arsad Hidayat, this coordination is essential for ensuring that the implementation of rukyatulhilal is “measured, and accountable,” both administratively and in terms of Sharia compliance. He emphasized that these efforts are “part of religious services to the community” rather than just a routine annual task.
Legal Framework and Significance
The government’s approach is grounded in Minister of Religious Affairs Regulation Number 1 of 2026 concerning the Organization of Isbat Sessions. This regulation establishes the isbat session as an official forum that integrates input from academics, astronomical experts, Islamic organizations, and state institutions.
While the government utilizes astronomical calculations and imkanur rukyat criteria based on MABIMS, the isbat session serves as a joint consultation forum. Arsad Hidayat noted that this dialogical and moderate approach is a characteristic of how Indonesia manages religious diversity, ensuring that data is discussed collectively so the final decision can serve as a “collective reference.”
Regional Readiness
Preparations for the rukyatulhilal were coordinated during a digital meeting on May 5, 2026, involving officials from all Indonesian provinces. Several regions have confirmed their readiness:
- South Sulawesi: Observations will be centralized at the Muslim University of Indonesia observatory in Makassar.
- North Kalimantan: Rukyatulhilal will be conducted in Tarakan City.
- West Sulawesi: Observations will take place in Mamuju District.
- Other Regions: Readiness reports were also submitted from Central Sulawesi, North Maluku, and various areas in eastern Indonesia.
Potential Next Steps
Following the closed session, the government is likely to announce the official start of Zulhijah 1447 Hijriah during the 7:00 PM press conference. This announcement may then serve as the definitive guide for the observance of Eid al-Adha across the country.
