INDOPOSCO.ID – A member of the Hisab Rukyat Team at the Kementerian Agama Republik Indonesia, Cecep Nurwendaya, stated that the crescent moon (hilal) observed across Indonesia has yet to meet the criteria set by the Ministers of Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore (MABIMS).
Speaking at a seminar ahead of the Isbat session for 1447 Hijri at the ministry’s office in Jakarta on Thursday (March 19, 2026), Cecep explained that the hilal’s ارتفاع (altitude) in Indonesia ranges between 0°54′27″ (0.91°) and 3°07′52″ (3.13°), while its elongation ranges from 4°32′40″ (4.54°) to 6°06′11″ (6.10°).
Under MABIMS criteria, the start of a Hijri (lunar) month is determined when the crescent moon reaches a minimum altitude of 3 degrees and an elongation (angular distance between celestial bodies) of at least 6.4 degrees.
“If the curves are combined, none of the regions within the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia meet the MABIMS criteria for the start of the lunar month,” Cecep said.
He added that, based on astronomical calculations (hisab), 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri is projected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026.
However, the calculation must still be verified through direct moon sighting (rukyatul hilal), which will be conducted at 117 locations across Indonesia, with the results to be deliberated in the Isbat session.
“In conclusion, all provincial capitals across Indonesia, including Sabang, do not meet the MABIMS criteria for the beginning of Shawwal 1447 Hijri,” he said.
Cecep emphasized that both conditions—altitude and elongation—must be fulfilled, as the visibility of the crescent is affected by twilight glow on the western horizon after sunset.
“The lower the crescent, the more it is obscured by twilight, which overpowers its faint light. The higher its position, the lesser the effect. Meanwhile, elongation determines the thickness of the crescent. Once it exceeds 6.4 degrees, it may enter the visibility threshold,” Cecep explained. (aro)
