Idul Fitri 'will fall on Jan. 29'

JAKARTA (JP): Moslem organization Muhammadiyah announced yesterday that the Idul Fitri holiday will fall on Jan. 29.

Nadjib Hamid, executive secretary of the East Java office of the modernist-oriented group, quoted a decree signed by Muhammadiyah leaders Amien Rais and Muchlas Abror as saying the date was decided after a mathematical calculation made by the organization's staff in charge of astronomic and Islamic law matters.

Antara reported that the 28-million-strong organization also set the Islamic Day of Sacrifice, Idul Adha, on April 7.

Idul Fitri, which coincides with the first day of the Syawal month, marks the end of the Ramadhan fasting month. This year's fasting month started last Wednesday.

The government usually announces the date for Idul Fitri on the eve of the projected holiday following a meeting with the country's Moslem groups, including Muhammadiyah, Nahdlatul Ulama and the Indonesian Ulemas Council.

Nadjib said according to calculations, the sighting of the new moon, known as hilal, would be seen in the country's westernmost town of Sabang, Aceh, in Yogyakarta and in the country's easternmost town of Merauke on Jan. 28.

He said Muhammadiyah's calculation might be different from that of other Moslem organizations, because of various methods of mathematical calculations and sighting of the moon used by Moslem groups in the country.

"Differences are normal, although it sometimes sparks anxiety because it deals with huge masses," he said.

He said Muhammadiyah leaders had called on their followers to ask for the government's permission to conduct morning prayers on Idul Fitri as early as possible. "We want the prayers to run safely and smoothly," he said. (amd)