Indonesian Ministry Holds Hearing to Determine Eid al-Adha Date

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) in Indonesia is convening its crucial 'sidang isbat' today, May 17, 2026, to officially determine the beginning of the Islamic month of Zulhijah 1447 Hijriah. This pivotal meeting will ultimately set the date for the observance of Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant holidays in the Muslim calendar. The Indonesian government employs a dual approach, combining astronomical calculations ('hisab') with the physical sighting of the new moon ('rukyat') to ensure accuracy and inclusivity in its religious determinations.

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Monitor the Sidang Isbat for the determination of Zulhijah 1447 H with the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Sunday, May 17, 2026.

This year's sidang isbat is particularly noteworthy as various scientific bodies, including the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), have already provided their predictions. Based on their calculations, the consensus points towards the start of Zulhijah on May 18, 2026, which would place Eid al-Adha on May 27, 2026. These predictions align with the criteria used by different Islamic authorities, including Muhammadiyah and international bodies like MABIMS, suggesting a high likelihood of a unified date for the celebration across various groups.

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Hilal position seminar 16.30 Western Indonesian Time, Sidang Isbat 18.00 Western Indonesian Time, Press Conference for the determination of 1 Zulhijah 19.00 Western Indonesian Time.

From the perspective of CNN Indonesia, this annual ritual of the sidang isbat is more than just a procedural announcement; it's a reflection of Indonesia's unique position as the world's largest Muslim-majority nation. While international news might simply report the date of Eid al-Adha, for us, the process itself—the meticulous calculations, the observation of the heavens, and the consensus-building among religious scholars and government officials—is a deeply ingrained cultural and spiritual practice. It highlights our commitment to ensuring that religious observances are grounded in both scientific understanding and traditional methods, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among the Indonesian populace. The transparency of the process, with live broadcasts and public announcements, further underscores our nation's dedication to religious harmony and accurate information dissemination.

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So, KHGT (Muhammadiyah) is the same as Ummul Quro (Saudi Arabia) is the same as MABIMS (Government), the beginning of Zulhijah 1447 is the same as May 18, 2026, and Eid al-Adha is May 27, 2026.