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)