Yogyakarta Rukyat Body Confident Crescent Moon Will Not Be Visible Today, Ramadan to Begin Day After Tomorrow

The Hisab Rukyat Body (BHR) of Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) is confident that the crescent moon (hilal) will not be visible today. BHR DIY has indicated that the start of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah is likely to fall the day after tomorrow.

As reported on Tuesday (17/2/2026), BHR DIY will nonetheless conduct observations at the Moon Observation Post (POB) at Bukit Syekh Belabelu, Parangtritis, Bantul, this afternoon. The chairman of BHR DIY, Mutoha Arkanuddin, explained that despite their confidence the crescent moon will not be visible, the observation will still be held as it constitutes the formal mechanism required for the Isbat session.

“This is essentially a catch-22 situation for the crescent moon sighting this time, because it is certain the hilal will not be visible as it is still below the horizon,” Mustofa explained.

Mustofa said that besides fulfilling the formal mechanism for the Isbat session, today’s sighting is also being conducted in accordance with the calendar. He explained that the rukyatulhilal observation is customarily held on 29 Sha’ban, which falls today.

“The instruction for the sighting follows the calendar. Meanwhile, our calendar today shows the 29th of Sha’ban, so it does not take into account whether the hilal is below or above the horizon. Tomorrow would already be the 30th of Sha’ban, and we are not permitted to conduct a sighting on the 30th according to the calendar — the Hijri calendar established by the government,” he said.

For this afternoon’s observation, BHR DIY will use three telescopes already installed at the Bukit Syekh Belabelu observation post. Mustofa noted that based on current astronomical conditions, the early Ramadan crescent moon remains below the horizon at sunset across the entirety of Indonesia.