Indonesia Confirms Thursday as First Day of Ramadan

Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially announced that Thursday, 19 February 2026, will mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Dr. Nasruddin Umar, during a press conference, according to the national news agency Antara.

This official declaration differs from the earlier announcement by Indonesia’s Central Muhammadiyah Council, which had set Wednesday, 18 February, as the first day of Ramadan.

The start of Ramadan 1447 AH has seen variations across the region, with several countries and astronomical authorities reporting different dates based on lunar observations and calculations. Turkey and Singapore have also declared Thursday, 19 February, as the first day, citing astronomical calculations that the crescent moon will not be visible on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

Oman has joined the list of nations confirming 19 February as the beginning of Ramadan. Meanwhile, other countries are awaiting the results of local moon sightings before making official announcements.

Qatar has so far announced Wednesday, 18 February, as the start of Ramadan, based on calculations published by the Qatar Calendar House, while emphasising that the religious determination rests with the official moon sighting committee under the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

The differing start dates highlight the role of both astronomical calculations and local moon-sighting traditions in determining the beginning of Ramadan across the Muslim world.