Govt announces fasting month to start Dec. 20

Govt announces fasting month to start Dec. 20

JAKARTA (JP): The government has announced that the Moslem
fasting month Ramadhan this year begins on Sunday, Dec. 20.

A meeting of officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs
with representatives of major Islamic organizations such as
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, Persis, Tarbiyah Islamiyah,
Persatuan Umat Islam and Al Mansuriyah agreed that Sya'ban -- the
Islamic month preceding the Ramadhan -- will be 30 days and end
on Dec. 19.

The meeting of the scholars, presided over on Tuesday by
Director General for the Development of Islamic Institutions
Husni Rahim, also estimated that Idul Fitri -- a celebration
marking the end of Ramadhan and the beginning of the Syawal month
-- will fall on Jan. 19, 1999.

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar phases. Mathematics and
astronomical calculations are carried out along with other
methods such as moon sightings to determine the onset of certain
months.

Another meeting is planned for Jan. 17, 1999, to ascertain the
exact ending of Ramadhan, according to the ministry's media
statement made available on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, from Yogyakarta, Antara reported that Muhammadiyah
leaders have called on all members of society, especially public
figures and leaders of social and political organizations to
display their respect for the holy month.

"Please exercise restraint, and bring calm to the political
scene by refraining from trading condemnations and
accusations... among all components of the nation, and please
handle problems with a clear mind and a clear conscience," said
acting chairman Syafi'i Ma'arif in a statement on Tuesday.

The organization expressed regret over various outbreaks of
unrest, violence, looting and other anarchic actions which had
not only inflicted major material losses but also claimed lives.

"Ramadhan should be greeted with devotion by Moslems and with
respect by people of other faiths, and together they all should
create order and peace in the country," he said.

The month should also serve as an opportunity for the better
off to help alleviate the suffering of the people at this time of
crisis, he said. (swe)