Ministry of Religious Affairs to Conduct Crescent Moon Sighting for Idul Fitri Determination at 14 Locations in Central Java

The Central Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs will conduct crescent moon monitoring to determine Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah at 14 locations. The monitoring points are spread across 14 regencies/cities in Central Java. “Total (crescent moon monitoring points) 14 points,” stated Acting Head of the Islamic Affairs Division of Central Java Ministry of Religious Affairs, Imam Buchori, when contacted on Wednesday (18/3/2026). He added that the crescent moon monitoring for determining Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah will be carried out on Thursday (19/3/2026). “Regarding the determination of the start of Shawwal 1447 Hijriah or this year’s Eid al-Fitr, the public is asked to wait for the announcement from the Minister of Religious Affairs after conducting the Shawwal Isbat session on Thursday afternoon, 19 March 2026, of course after receiving reports on whether the crescent moon was sighted or not in the westernmost region of Indonesia,” he said. Buchori stated that there is potential for differences in Idul Fitri celebrations this year. “If this happens, it is hoped that the public, especially in Central Java, will mutually respect and maintain tolerance regarding possible differences in Idul Fitri. This is to maintain conduciveness in society, especially in Central Java,” he explained.