Hilal Below Horizon Across Indonesia: Situbondo Calculation Team Forecasts Start of Ramadan Fasting on Thursday

Jakarta — The Calculation and Moon Sighting Body (BHR) of Situbondo Regency, East Java, has disclosed the results of the nationally conducted hilal (crescent moon) observation. It was explained that the hilal’s position across all of Indonesia was below the horizon, making observation impossible. Consequently, the month of Sha’ban will be rounded up to 30 days, a practice known as istiqmal.

The moon observation to determine the start of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah took place at Kalbut Port, Semiring Village, Mangaran Sub-district, Situbondo Regency, on Tuesday.

“So, when the hilal is not visible because its position is below the horizon, the determination of the start of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah rounds up the month of Sha’ban to 30 days,” said Irpan Hilmi, Chairman of the Situbondo Regency Calculation and Moon Sighting Body, in Situbondo on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

Irpan Hilmi stated that the determination of the start of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah at the Isbat Session, to be held on Tuesday evening, is expected to set the first day of fasting on 19 February 2026.

“Based on our estimates, given that the hilal is below the horizon, the start of Ramadan fasting will be on Thursday the 19th. However, we are awaiting the results of the Isbat Session,” he said.

Meanwhile, Situbondo Regent Yusuf Rio Wahyu Prayogo invited the entire community to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan with joy and mutual respect, despite differences among various organisations.

“As part of the government, I will observe the Ramadan fast in accordance with the central government’s decision,” said Regent Rio, as he is known.

The moon observation event to determine the start of Ramadan fasting in 2026 was attended by Situbondo Regent Yusuf Rio Wahyu Prayogo, Deputy Regent Ulfiyah, the chairman of the local branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU), the chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), representatives of the Indonesian Islamic Propagation Institute (LDII), and several universities.