BMKG: Crescent Moon Not Yet Visible in Makassar Skies Today

The Observation Division Coordinator of BMKG Region IV Makassar, Jamroni, stated that the hilal — the crescent moon marking the beginning of a new month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was not yet visible in the skies over Makassar, South Sulawesi.

“The hilal could not be seen because, based on calculations or hisab, the value was negative,” said Jamroni whilst conducting observations on Tuesday (17 February).

Jamroni explained that his team had been unable to clearly observe the hilal, as the moon set before the sun.

“We consider the hilal value to be negative, meaning it cannot be observed. We continue to carry out rukyah observations. We still conduct the rukyah, but there is no possibility of sighting it as all values are negative,” he said.

Nevertheless, Jamroni said his team could not yet determine whether 1 Ramadan would fall on Wednesday (18 February). The decision still awaited the outcome of the Isbat session.

“For that, we await the results of the Isbat session. Based on calculations, the hilal was not visible. Muhammadiyah has its own calculation method, but we are waiting for the Isbat session. However, based on calculations or hisab, none of the criteria have been met,” he said.

The government is set to hold the Isbat session to determine the start of Ramadan 1447 H today at Hotel Borobudur in Jakarta. Meanwhile, Muhammadiyah has already determined that 1 Ramadan falls on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.