Hilal Observations in Makassar and Ambon Suggest Eid al-Adha May Fall on 27 May

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Region IV Makassar has announced that Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah potentially falls on Wednesday, 27 May, following observations of the hilal (new moon) for the beginning of the month of Zulhijjah. Jamroni, the Coordinator of the Observation Field at BMKG Region IV Makassar, stated that the observation took place at sunset, with the moon’s altitude in Makassar reaching 4.3 degrees, exceeding the minimum MABIMS criteria. He noted that while cloudy weather in Makassar presented challenges, the astronomical calculations suggest that no month-extension (istikmal) will be necessary.

In Ambon, Maluku, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and BMKG Class I Ambon also conducted monitoring at Puncak Karang Panjang. Sukartoyo, the BMKG Data and Information Team Coordinator, reported that the hilal in Ambon was approximately 4.442 degrees high. Although the moon was difficult to see visually due to its position, the altitude and elongation met the MABIMS requirements. M. Yasir Ramadau, Head of Islamic Community Guidance at the Maluku Ministry of Religious Affairs, confirmed that these findings will be submitted to the central government for the official verification session (sidang isbat).

According to researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and BMKG, the start of Zulhijjah is predicted to be 18 May 2026, placing Eid al-Adha on 27 May 2026. Thomas Djamaluddin, a researcher at BRIN, noted that the astronomical criteria for the government, Muhammadiyah, and even Saudi Arabia appear to align, suggesting a unified determination for the holiday.