TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Two of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, have declared the start date of Ramadan 1441 Hijri on Friday, April 24, 2020.

The NU Board has made the announcement to its regional boards across the archipelago through a letter No. 3959/B.II.07/04/2020 on the first day of Ramadan which is set based on observation of hilal or the new moon in several regions.

“[We have] successfully seen hilal. So, given the observation and as referred to Al-Madzahib Arba'ah, the Board of NU announces that Ramadan 1441 Hijri Falls on Friday, April 24, 2020,” as noted in the letter.

Meanwhile, the Muhammadiyah Central Board also issued a similar letter regarding the beginning of the Muslim fasting month this year.

The Indonesian government has finished an isbat or confirmation meeting to determine the first day of the holy month. The first session starts at 5 p.m., discussing the hilal position by the Religious Affairs Ministry officials.

“After Maghrib (sunset) prayer, the meeting is opened by Religious Affairs Minister, followed by a discussion on the observation data and the results of rukyatul hilal from 82 areas across the country,” said the Ministry’s Director of Islamic Affairs Agus Salim via an online press conference today, April 23.

According to Agus, the result of the isbat meeting will be published by the Religious Affairs Minister via a teleconference and broadcasted live on TVRI and the ministry’s social media.

ANDITA RAHMA