When is Eid al-Fitr 2026? Government and Muhammadiyah Predictions for 1 Shawwal 2026
As the end of Ramadan 1447 AH approaches, Muslims in Indonesia are increasingly wondering when Eid al-Fitr 2026 will occur. Based on the latest astronomical data from the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the Nahdlatul Ulama Falakiyah Institute, the determination of 1 Shawwal 2026 in Indonesia has the potential to differ between global calculation methods and the government’s hilal observation.
As of Saturday, 14 March, Muslims are in the final days of Ramadan. The uncertainty surrounding the Eid al-Fitr date has become a priority for those planning their travel schedules during the holiday exodus.
Muhammadiyah’s central leadership has already determined that 1 Shawwal 2026 falls on Friday, 20 March 2026. This decision was made using the Hisab Hakiki Wujudul Hilal method, guided by the Single Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT). For Muhammadiyah members, this date is now final, allowing preparations for Eid prayers to begin early.
The Government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Nahdlatul Ulama, will only determine 1 Shawwal 2026 following the Isbat Session held on the evening of Thursday, 19 March 2026. However, astronomical data indicates that the hilal position on that evening will remain very low. Under MABIMS criteria (the religious ministers of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore), a new hilal is only considered valid if it reaches a height of 3 degrees and an elongation of 6.4 degrees.
Should istikmal occur, the Government and Nahdlatul Ulama are likely to determine Eid al-Fitr 2026 falls on Saturday, 21 March 2026.
Regardless of the date difference, 2026 presents a unique extended holiday phenomenon. Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026, coinciding with the Eid holiday period. The Government has established a national holiday and joint leave schedule allowing citizens to enjoy up to 10 consecutive days off, from 18 to 24 March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- According to Muhammadiyah, when is Eid al-Fitr 2026?
Muhammadiyah has set 1 Shawwal 1447 AH on Friday, 20 March 2026.
- When is the Isbat Session to determine 1 Shawwal 2026?
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will hold the Isbat Session on the evening of Thursday, 19 March 2026.
- Why is there potential for different Eid dates?
The difference arises from different criteria; Muhammadiyah uses Global Hilal Existence, whilst the Government applies MABIMS criteria (3 degrees elevation, 6.4 degrees elongation).
- What is the price of Antam gold as Eid approaches?
As of Saturday, 14 March 2026, Antam gold was trading at Rp2,997,000 per gramme, a decline of Rp24,000 from the previous day.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will conduct the determination session (isbat) for 1 Shawwal 1447 AH on 19 March 2026, coinciding with 29 Ramadan 1447 AH.
The An-Nadzir congregation in Gowa, South Sulawesi, determined that 1 Ramadan 1447 AH fell on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, aligning with Muhammadiyah’s position.
Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar explained the reason the Isbat Session for 1 Ramadan was relocated to the Borobudur Hotel, stating the move was purely due to technical factors related to road construction projects.
The Government officially determined that 1 Ramadan 1447 AH falls on Thursday, 19 February 2026. KH Anwar Iskandar from the Indonesian Ulema Council urged Muslims to approach differences in the start of fasting with wisdom.
Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar confirmed that 1 Ramadan 1447 AH falls on Thursday, 19 February 2026, calling on Muslims to respond to differences in the fasting start date with good judgment.