Welcoming Eid al-Fitr, Ministry of Religion's Islamic Guidance Directorate Launches Programmes from Indonesia Almsgiving to Pilgrim-Friendly Mosques
The Directorate General of Bimbingan Masyarakat Islam (Islamic Community Guidance, Bimas Islam) under the Ministry of Religion is preparing a range of religious and social services ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H. The programmes include the Isbat Session to establish 1 Shawwal, strengthening the national zakat movement through the Indonesia Almsgiving programme, and the provision of Pilgrim-Friendly Mosques.
These activities form part of the Joyful Ramadan Mubarak programme initiated by Bimas Islam to deliver religious services with meaningful impact for communities. The programme aims not only to strengthen worship during Ramadan, but also to enhance social solidarity and expand religious services to the Muslim population.
One of the main agendas is the Isbat Session for determining 1 Shawwal 1447 H, scheduled for 19 March 2026 at the HM Rasjidi Auditorium, Ministry of Religion headquarters in Jakarta. This session serves as the government’s official mechanism for determining the beginning of the Islamic month and Eid al-Fitr.
Director General of Bimas Islam Abu Rokhmad stated that the series of sessions will begin with a seminar on the position of the crescent moon on 29 Ramadan. “Around 16.30 WIB, a seminar on the position of the crescent moon on 29 Ramadan will be held, bringing together speakers from various Islamic community organisations,” said Abu Rokhmad at a Press Briefing on Active Issues in Islamic Guidance in Jakarta on Monday, 9 March 2026.
He explained that the Isbat session is the government’s official mechanism, regulated under Ministry of Religion Regulation (PMA) Number 1 of 2026. The forum brings together astronomical experts and lunar calculation specialists, representatives of Islamic community organisations, research institutions, and various stakeholders to determine the beginning of the Islamic month in a scientific and transparent manner.
The Isbat session begins with a seminar on the crescent moon position featuring astronomy experts and astronomical specialists. Subsequently, the session is conducted in closed format involving representatives of Islamic organisations, lunar calculation and observation experts, and relevant agencies. The session results are then announced to the public through a press conference.
Beyond the Isbat session, Bimas Islam is also strengthening the zakat movement through the Indonesia Almsgiving programme to be held at Merdeka Palace. This programme is expected to serve as an example for communities in fulfilling their zakat obligations whilst promoting social solidarity.
The Ministry of Religion, together with several ministries and agencies, is also launching the Ramadan Hope Distribution (THR) programme. This programme targets the distribution of two million zakat al-Fitr packages to families across various regions.
“The programme to be implemented on 12 March 2026 at the Jakarta East Velodrome represents collaboration between the Ministry of Coordinating Board for Community Empowerment, Ministry of Religion, Ministry of Manpower, Indonesian Ulema Council, National Zakat Board (Baznas), Zakat Forum, and various Islamic philanthropy organisations. The programme targets the distribution of two million zakat al-Fitr packages to Indonesian families, alongside interfaith breaking-of-fast activities,” explained Abu Rokhmad.
To support the smooth flow of Eid holiday travel, Bimas Islam is also introducing the Pilgrim-Friendly Mosque programme, involving 6,859 mosques across various regions of Indonesia. These mosques are being prepared as rest areas and centres for worship services for travellers during their journeys.
The programme will be launched through the Kick-Off event for the Indonesian Mosque Expedition, a collaboration between the Ministry of Religion and Radio Elshinta. Through this programme, communities can obtain information about mosques providing services for travellers during the Eid exodus and return journeys.
“On Wednesday, 11 March 2026, at the Ministry of Religion headquarters at Lapangan Banteng, the kick-off for the Pilgrim-Friendly Mosque Programme and Indonesian Mosque Expedition will be held,” he stated.
According to Abu Rokhmad, Eid al-Fitr is not only a religious milestone, but also a social one that strengthens community bonds. The tradition of holiday travel and return journeys has become part of Indonesian society’s life.
“Therefore, the Ministry of Religion wants to ensure that holiday travellers can continue to perform their worship properly and receive adequate services during their journeys,” he said.
Through the Pilgrim-Friendly Mosque programme, participating mosques are expected to provide various services for travellers, such as mosques open 24 hours, rest areas, ablution and bathing facilities, mobile phone charging stations, and iftar meals for travellers breaking their fast during their journey.
Additionally, Bimas Islam is also organising various other religious activities during Ramadan, including the State-Level Commemoration of the Revelation of the Qur’an at Merdeka Palace and the Rotating Tarawih Prayer (STARLING) programme across various ministries and agencies.
Through these various programmes, Bimas Islam hopes that Ramadan 1447 H will not only become a momentum for increased personal worship, but also strengthen social care, religious services, and community solidarity as the Eid al-Fitr holiday approaches.