Ramadhan starts on Friday

JAKARTA: Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agil Munawar said that the fasting month of Ramadhan would start on Friday.

"The beginning of the fasting month will be Nov. 16," the minister said on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of Siar Ramadhan, Islamic religious programs to be aired on TV during the month.

The beginning of the holy month is always a matter of debate, especially between the two largest Muslim organizations, Nadhatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah. Most Muslims usually choose to wait for the official announcement from the government.--Antara