Originating from the Soekarno Era, This is the History of the Sidang Isbat
In just a few hours, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will hold the Sidang Isbat to determine Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE. This Sidang Isbat has existed since the era of President Soekarno.
According to Antara on Thursday (19/3/2026), the sidang isbat is an official forum organised by the Indonesian government to determine the beginning of months in the Hijriah calendar, such as the start of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. The session aims to provide certainty for Muslims in carrying out their worship, in accordance with sharia provisions.
Since the first year of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ establishment, President Soekarno’s administration considered religious holidays important, particularly for Muslims, Eid al-Fitr, which needed to be regulated.
Therefore, Government Regulation No. 2/Um of 1946 was born, where its considerations stated the need for rules on holidays, after consulting the Working Body of the Central National Committee. Subsequently, the determination of holidays is carried out annually by the Minister of Religious Affairs.
On that basis, the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs holds the sidang isbat routinely every year. This regulation was signed by President Soekarno on 18 June 1946, has not been revoked, and is even reinforced by other regulations in the present day.
When was the first sidang isbat held? Notes from M. Fuad Nasar (who now serves as Director of Halal Product Assurance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs) mention the 1950s decade or some sources state 1962, when the Sidang Isbat was conducted to determine 1 Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr on 1 Shawwal.
The session is held every 29 Sha’ban to determine 1 Ramadan and 29 Ramadan to determine 1 Shawwal (Eid al-Fitr). The Sidang Isbat is also conducted to determine the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah for setting Eid al-Adha.
To facilitate and accommodate various views from scholars and Islamic organisations in determining the start of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, the Minister of Religious Affairs has taken wise steps.
During Saifuddin Zuhri’s tenure as Minister of Religious Affairs, the status of the sidang isbat was strengthened and institutionalised as a mechanism for determining the start of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha through Ministerial Decree No. 47 of 1963.
Following the enactment of Law No. 3 of 2006 on Amendments to Law No. 7 of 1989 on Religious Courts, the status of isbat was further emphasised.
Methods of Sidang Isbat
In its implementation, the sidang isbat combines two main methods: hisab and rukyat. The hisab method uses astronomical calculations to determine the moon’s position mathematically, without direct observation.
Meanwhile, the rukyat method involves direct observation of the hilal (first crescent moon) on the horizon after sunset. This observation is conducted by experts at various designated locations to ensure hilal visibility.
Both methods have strong scientific and religious foundations and have been used in Islamic history. The combination of hisab and rukyat in the sidang isbat reflects the government’s efforts to maintain a balance between science and religious teachings.
Through this forum, the government seeks to ensure uniformity and certainty in the practice of worship for Muslims, by combining hisab and rukyat methods and involving relevant parties.