Government Decides Ramadan Started on Sunday
Reported by Erna Martiyanti | Translated by Isa Efriadi
Government through Religious Ministry (Kemenag) decides first Ramadan 1435 Hijriah on Sunday (6/29). Based on observation, there was no location could see hilal. However, the government is also appreciating other Islamic mass organization (ormas) which start fasting on Saturday (6/28).
The witnesses at 63 points around Indonesia could not see the hilal (month). It means we have to run Sya'ban month for 30 days. First Ramadan is on June 29, Sunday
Ministry of Religious Affairs, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said that he decided first Ramadan after conducting private meeting. In the meeting, there was a report and discussion of rukyatul hilal from many provinces. Some Islamic mass organizations which attended on isbat meeting have no different opinion related of hilal observation and establishment of first Ramadan.
“The witnesses at 63 points around Indonesia could not see the hilal (moon). It means we have to run Sya'ban month for 30 days. First Ramadan is on June 29, Sunday," said Lukman, after the isbat meeting, Friday (6/27).
Basuki Planned to Visit 2 Mosques a Day in RamadanLukman requested that these difference should not be disputed. "Respect each others and fasting properly," he added.
The isbat meeting was conducted privately and attended by Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) head Din Syamsuddin, KH Maruf Amin, Muhammadiyah, NU, and other Islamic organizations representative, ambassador of Islamic countries, and astronomical expert from LAPAN and Planetarium.
