Yesterday: MUI Appeal on Isbat Hearing Regarding Eid al-Fitr and Disaster Relief in Aceh
Jakarta – A roundup of significant humanitarian news from Monday, 16 March 2026, covers the Indonesian Ulama Council’s guidance on awaiting the Isbat hearing results for Eid al-Fitr determination and assistance for disaster victims in East Aceh.
MUI Urges Muslims to Await Isbat Hearing Results on Eid al-Fitr Determination
The Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) has appealed to the Muslim community to await the decision of the Isbat Hearing, which the government will conduct on Thursday, 19 March 2026, given potential differences between the government’s determination and religious organisations’ positions. “The determination of the beginning of Shawwal remains pending on field observation results and the government’s Isbat Hearing decision,” said MUI Deputy Chairman Cholil Nafis.
Education Minister: Eid as a Learning Opportunity, Not Merely a Holiday
The Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu’ti, has reminded parents to use the Eid celebration as a platform for children’s learning outside the classroom rather than treating it purely as a day off. “Our circular does not use the term holiday or break, but rather learning outside school, so that returning home certainly becomes part of building and strengthening relationships and social cohesion among the community,” said Minister Mu’ti.
Government Implements Two Options to Keep Disaster Survivors Out of Emergency Tents During Eid
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri), Tito Karnavian, has stated that the government is implementing two options to ensure that residents affected by flooding disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra do not celebrate Eid al-Fitr in emergency tents. “Our target before Eid is that everyone (disaster survivors) will not be in emergency tents, with two options: either staying in temporary shelter units (huntara) or being given temporary housing allowance of 1.6 million rupiah,” said Tito Karnavian.
Baznas: Palace Zakat Collection of 4.3 Billion Rupiah, Highest in History
Indonesia’s National Zakat Board (Baznas) has recorded that the 2026 Palace Zakat collection successfully gathered 4.3 billion rupiah from 111 donors comprising state officials, cabinet ministers, and military personnel, marking the highest amount across its eleven previous collections. The activity, held at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March, brought in zakat funds exceeding 4.3 billion rupiah from 111 donors. “The exemplary leadership of these officials is highly effective in encouraging the community to fulfil their zakat obligations through trusted and accountable institutions. The impact can indeed be stronger than our own campaigns,” said Baznas Chairman Sodik Mudjahid.
Ministry of Social Affairs Distributes 100.9 Billion Rupiah to Disaster Survivors in East Aceh
The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has distributed financial assistance worth 100.9 billion rupiah to support the recovery of various aspects of life for residents affected by natural disasters in East Aceh Regency. The funds were symbolically presented by the Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf alongside the Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian during the assistance distribution ceremony at the East Aceh Regent’s Office, Kampung Jawa, Idi Rayeuk District, East Aceh, on Monday. “It is hoped that this assistance will truly support household recovery, both in rebuilding residential infrastructure and later in economic recovery,” said Minister Saifullah Yusuf.