Govt remains confused over Idul Fitri start

JAKARTA: The national mass prayer meeting to welcome Idul Fitri in the National Monument (Monas) park could be held on Wednesday instead of Thursday, depending on the central government's decision about Idul Fitri.

"We are ready to follow the government's decision," chairman of the organizing committee, Eddy Abdurrahman, told reporters Monday after accompanying Governor Sutiyoso to report to President Megawati Soekarnoputri on the preparations for the event.

During the national mass prayer meeting, Megawati is scheduled to hand a drum stick to Vice President Hamzah Haz, who will then beat the drum to mark its opening.

About 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will be highlighted by a concert featuring Ikang Fawzi, Tasya, Ikke Nurjanah and Rhoma Irama.

The event was planned for Thursday night at 7:30 p.m., as this year's Idul Fitri is predicted to fall on Friday and Saturday.

But there is a possibility that Idul Fitri could start on Thursday. The government will hold a meeting on Wednesday to decide the date.

The actual data of Idul Fitri is based upon the appearance of the new moon in accordance with the Islamic lunar year.

The second largest Muslim organization in the country, Muhammadiyah, last week announced that Idul Fitri falls on Thursday. --JP