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Rabat – Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs on the 19th confirmed the official start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan following a formal “Isbat” (confirmation) session held in Jakarta.
The decision came after evaluating the results of “rukyatulhilal,” or visual moon sightings, conducted at dozens of observation points across the country, alongside “hisab,” or astronomical calculations.
The “Isbat” session brings together representatives from major Islamic organizations, religious scholars, astronomers, and government officials. The ministry’s announcement serves as the official national reference for the start of fasting in Indonesia.
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, uses a combination of physical moon sightings and astronomical data to determine the start of Ramadan. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the beginning of the month can differ between countries depending on moon visibility.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During the month, adult Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity from dawn until sunset.
Exemptions apply to children, the elderly, travelers, and those who are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, or women on their menstrual cycles, with missed fasting days typically made up at a later time.
Daily fasting in Indonesia generally lasts between 12 and 13 hours. The fast begins shortly before sunrise at “imsak,” usually 10-15 minutes before the Fajr (dawn) adhan, and ends at sunset with the maghrib prayer. Many Muslims break their fast with light snacks or dates, followed by an evening meal.
In Indonesia, the fast is commonly broken with sweet snacks known as “takjil,” including palm sugar-based desserts such as “kolak,” “gorengan” fried snacks, and cold drinks such as fruit-based beverages and iced desserts.
Dates are widely consumed and sold throughout the country during Ramadan.
Evening meals typically include rice-based dishes and locally prepared foods, with families and communities often eating together.
Group fast-breaking meals, known as “buka bersama,” are common among relatives, friends, and coworkers. Street vendors and temporary Ramadan markets operate widely in the late afternoon, selling snacks and drinks for iftar.
Religious observance during Ramadan includes increased mosque attendance, nightly tarawih prayers after the isha prayer, and Quran recitation.
Major mosques, including Jakarta’s Istiqlal Grand Mosque, typically record higher attendance during the month.
The final days of Ramadan include observances of Laylat al-Qadr, commonly marked on the 27th night, during which special prayers are held.
Ramadan concludes with “Idul Fitri,” which marks the end of the fasting month. The Idul Fitri holiday period in Indonesia typically lasts several days, with additional leave often taken around weekends.
Employers are required by law to pay a religious holiday allowance, known as “Tunjangan Hari Raya” (THR), equivalent to one month’s salary for eligible employees.
