Ramadan Start 2026 in Indonesia

Ramadan Start marks the beginning of the Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The first day is determined by the sighting of the moon and is welcomed with community prayers and spiritual preparation across the country.

Ramadan Start: A Public Holiday?

Ramadan Start is not a national public holiday in Indonesia; schools and businesses remain open, though many adjust schedules to accommodate fasting practices.

Ramadan Start

Ramadan Start, also known as the First Day of Ramadhan, Awal Ramadhan, or Awal Puasa, marks the first day of the Islamic holy month of fasting. In Indonesia, this observance is closely tied to the arrival of Islam in the archipelago, introduced by traders and scholars around the 13th century. Over time, the practice of fasting during Ramadan became deeply embedded in Indonesian culture, blending Islamic teachings with local customs.

The timing of Ramadan Start follows the Islamic lunar calendar. The sighting of the new moon traditionally determines the beginning of Ramadan, a practice still overseen today by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. An official announcement declares the start of fasting each year. This moment carries both religious significance and a sense of communal anticipation, as families and communities prepare spiritually and practically for the month ahead. Ramadan Start has come to symbolize renewal, reflection, and unity across Indonesia.

Observance of Ramadan Start in Indonesia

Ramadan Start is a time of spiritual preparation and heightened devotion. On the evening before fasting begins, many families attend communal prayers known as Tarawih at local mosques. The sighting of the new moon is often accompanied by joyful gatherings, where friends and family share meals and exchange good wishes for the month ahead. In the days leading up to Ramadan Start, markets are busy with people buying food and supplies for sahur and iftar, the pre-dawn and evening meals.

Though not a public holiday, many workplaces and schools adjust their schedules to accommodate fasting. Shorter working hours and lighter school days help people focus on spiritual activities. The beginning of Ramadan encourages acts of charity, with many donating to those in need or participating in community service.

Ramadan Start is more than the beginning of a fasting period; it sets the tone for a month of self-discipline, compassion, and spiritual growth. It fosters a strong sense of community as Indonesians come together in reflection and worship. The traditions surrounding the start of Ramadan reinforce the values of patience, generosity, and unity that are central to Indonesian Muslim life.

Ramadan Start Observances