Ramadhan 2026 Date Uncertainty: Kemenag vs Muhammadiyah Calculation

Different Predictions for Islamic Calendar

The Indonesian Muslim community is anticipating the start of Ramadhan 2026 with varying predictions from major Islamic organizations. The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has announced that Ramadhan is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, according to their Hijri calendar calculations. However, Muhammadiyah's prediction differs by one day, creating uncertainty among the public.

Government's Determination Process

The Indonesian government will make the final determination through the isbat ceremony, which follows the Rukyatul Hilal method. This traditional method involves observing the moon's visibility and is validated by the MABIMS (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore Ministers of Religious Affairs) criteria. As of January 9, 2026, there are approximately 41 days until the predicted start of Ramadhan.

Religious Significance and Community Preparation

The countdown to Ramadhan has begun, with Muslims preparing for the holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection. The difference in predictions between Kemenag and Muhammadiyah has sparked public discussion about the exact date. The government's isbat ceremony will provide the official determination, which is typically followed by the majority of Indonesian Muslims.