Ramadhan 2026 Start Date: Differing Views Among Indonesian Authorities

Government vs Muhammadiyah Determination

Indonesia is anticipating Ramadhan 2026 with varying start dates proposed by different religious authorities. The government, through the Joint Decree of Three Ministers (SKB 3 Menteri), has scheduled Idul Fitri 1447 H/2026 on March 21-22, 2026 ¹

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Source 3

https://newssetup.kontan.co.id/news/kapan-puasa-ramadhan-lebaran-2026-ini-jadwal-nu-muhammadiyah-pemerintah

, indicating that Ramadhan is expected to begin in mid-February 2026. However, the exact date awaits official confirmation through the isbat council.

In contrast, Muhammadiyah has officially declared 1 Ramadhan 1447 H to be on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 ²

, using their hisab hakiki method based on astronomical calculations. Their determination is guided by the Global Unified Hijri Calendar (KHGT) as stated in Maklumat Nomor 2/MLM/I.0/E/2025.

Basis of Muhammadiyah's Calculation

Muhammadiyah's decision was based on astronomical calculations showing:

• Ijtimak before Ramadhan occurs on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 12:01:09 UTC
• At sunset, the PKG 1 visibility criteria were not met globally
• After 24:00 UTC, PKG 2 criteria were met in parts of America with: moon altitude at 5°23'35" and elongation at 8°00'11"

Government's Approach

The government, while having predetermined the Idul Fitri holidays, is still conducting further verification through the isbat council to officially determine 1 Ramadhan 1447 H. This approach differs from Muhammadiyah's pre-calculated date.

Implications

The difference in determining Ramadhan's start date reflects the diverse methods used in Indonesia for Islamic calendaring. While Muhammadiyah follows a calculation-based approach, the government typically relies on moon sighting through the isbat council. This variation is not unusual and has been observed in previous years.