The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) is holding the Sidang Isbat (confirmation meeting) today, March 19, which marks 29th of Ramadan or Chand Raat, to officially determine the start of Syawal 1447 and the date of Idul Fitri 2026. The Sidang Isbat session, held at the HM Rasjidi Auditorium in Jakarta, will decide whether Eid 2026 falls on Friday, March 20, or Saturday, March 21, based on a combination of astronomical calculations (hisab) and field observations (rukyat). Watch live streaming of Sidang Isbat meeting for Idul Fitri 2026 moon sighting below.

The Ministry has outlined a three-step process for today's determination, ensuring transparency and public involvement:

  • Seminar on the Crescent Moon Position (4:30 PM WIB): Astronomy experts from BMKG and BRIN will present the latest lunar data. This session is open to the public via live streaming.

  • Closed Isbat Meeting (6:45 PM WIB): Following the Maghrib prayer, officials from the Ministry, Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), and various Islamic organizations will deliberate on reports from over 100 sighting locations across the archipelago.

  • Official Press Conference (7:25 PM WIB): The Minister of Religious Affairs will announce the final national verdict to the public.

Idul Fitri 2026 Moon Sighting in Indonesia: Will the Syawal Crescent Be Sighted?

According to data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the probability of sighting the hilal (crescent moon) today is considered low. While the moon's altitude in some regions like Aceh may reach up to 3 degrees, the "elongation" (angular distance between the sun and moon) is predicted to remain below the 6.4-degree threshold required by the MABIMS criteria used by Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. Eid al-Fitr 2026 Wishes, Eid Mubarak Greetings, Messages and HD Wallpapers To Share on Chand Raat.

If the moon is not sighted this evening, Ramadan will be completed as a 30-day month, placing Idul Fitri on Saturday, March 21. However, the independent Islamic organization Muhammadiyah has already set its celebration for Friday, March 20, based on the wujudul hilal (mathematical existence) method. Chand Raat Mubarak 2026 Wishes, Eid Greetings, Messages and HD Wallpapers To Share.

How To Watch Sidang Isbat 2026 Live Streaming

The public can follow the entire process and the final announcement through several official digital platforms:

  • YouTube: Kemenag RI and Bimas Islam TV

  • Social Media: Instagram (@Kemenag_RI) and TikTok (Bimas Islam)

Sidang Isbat Idul Fitri 2026 Live Streaming: Watch Syawal 1447 Moon Sighting in Indonesia

Sidang Isbat Live Streaming: Watch Idul Fitri 2026 Date Announcement in Indonesia

Observation teams have been deployed to dozens of strategic points, including the Bosscha Observatory in West Java and various coastal sites in Aceh and North Sulawesi. Because the start of the month depends on local visibility, these reports are crucial for the Ministry to confirm the hisab predictions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 19, 2026 02:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).