Ramadan to start Dec. 9: Government

JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Wednesday here that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan will this year begin on Thursday, Dec. 9.

Antara reported that a meeting of officials from 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 had agreed on Tuesday night that Sya'ban -- the Islamic month preceding Ramadhan -- will last 30 days and end on Jan. 8.

The scholars' meeting, presided over by the 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 Saturday, Jan. 8, 2000.

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

Another meeting is scheduled later in January to ascertain the exact end of the Ramadhan fasting month.

The meeting also estimated that the Islamic Day of Sacrifice, Idul Adha, will fall on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2000. (byg)