Government Sets Idulfitri on Saturday 21 March, Differing from Muhammadiyah

The government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, has set Hari Raya Idulfitri 1447 Hijriah to fall on Saturday, 21 March. This decision was made after the isbat session, which took into account the results of rukyatul hilal and hisab calculations.

This determination differs from the one previously announced by Muhammadiyah. The Islamic organisation had earlier set Idulfitri on Friday, 20 March, based on the hisab hakiki wujudul hilal method that guides them.

Muslim communities in several areas are also celebrating Idulfitri differently. Some celebrated Lebaran yesterday and today.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stated that the government’s decision is based on the imkan rukyat criteria agreed upon by MABIMS member countries. In the isbat session, the moon’s position was deemed not to meet visibility criteria on the previous day, so 1 Syawal was set a day later.

“Based on the hisab results and the absence of hilal reports, it was agreed that 1 Syawal 1447 falls on Saturday 21 March 2026,” said Nasaruddin Umar at the location on Thursday (19/3).

The difference in Idulfitri determination between the government and Muhammadiyah is not new in Indonesia. The criteria used by Muhammadiyah often result in differences in celebration days.

Nevertheless, the government urges the public to maintain tolerance and mutual respect for the differences. This difference is seen as part of Indonesia’s Islamic heritage that has long been ongoing.

Meanwhile, Nahdlatul Ulama stated it will follow the government’s decision after conducting rukyatul hilal at various monitoring points across Indonesia.

With this difference, some communities are expected to celebrate Idulfitri earlier, while others follow the government’s stipulation. However, the Lebaran momentum is still hoped to strengthen silaturahmi and unity amid diversity.