East Java NU Board: Crescent Moon Still Negative, Start of Ramadan Expected on 19 February 2026

The East Java Regional Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU Jawa Timur), through its Falakiyah Institute (LF), is currently conducting crescent moon observations to determine the start of Ramadan 1447 H. The PWNU is monitoring the hilal (crescent moon) at 41 points across East Java.

LF PWNU East Java chairman Syamsul Ma’arif said NU employs the rukyatulhilal method (direct observation) as it upholds the classical fiqh tradition based on explicit religious injunctions.

According to him, there is potential for the start of Ramadan 1447 H to differ from that set by Muhammadiyah, which has already designated Wednesday, 18 February 2026 as 1 Ramadan 1447 H.

“Yes, there is potential for a difference in the commencement of the Ramadan 1447 H fast this time. Muhammadiyah has set 18 February 2026 as the start of Ramadan; we are still monitoring the hilal at present,” said Syamsul, as reported by detikJatim on Tuesday (17 February 2026).

Syamsul disclosed that the current condition of the hilal remains negative, or below the horizon, as the ijtima (conjunction) occurred after sunset at 19:02 Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

“Consequently, the hilal has the potential to be invisible. According to tahqiqi bit tahqiq astronomical calculations, the position of the hilal is still below the horizon because the ijtima (conjunction) occurred after sunset, meaning the hilal’s elevation is negative across the whole of Indonesia. According to the principles of falak science, it is impossible for the hilal to be sighted. Accordingly, the month of Sha’ban will be rounded up to 30 days (istikmal). It is predicted that 1 Ramadan 1447 will fall on Thursday, 19 February 2026,” he explained.