Yogyakarta Islamic Calendar Authority: Ramadhan Crescent Moon Impossible to Sight in the Region
Yogyakarta (ANTARA) — The Hisab Rukyat Board (BHR) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has stated that the crescent moon (hilal) marking the beginning of Ramadhan 1447 Hijriah is impossible to observe in the region, as it remains below the horizon at sunset on Tuesday.
BHR DIY Chairman Mutoha Arkanuddin explained that, based on astronomical data from the Moon Observation Post (POB) at Syekh Bela Belu hill in Parangtritis, Bantul Regency, the crescent moon's altitude was recorded at minus 1.5 degrees.
"For Yogyakarta at Syekh Bela Belu hill, the crescent moon's altitude is minus 1.5 degrees, meaning it is still below the horizon when the sun sets. This means the moon sets first, making it practically impossible to observe the crescent," said Mutoha when contacted in Yogyakarta on Tuesday.
Mutoha noted that the crescent moon's position also fails to meet the MABIMS criteria (Ministers of Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) for determining the start of Ramadhan, which requires a minimum altitude of 3 degrees with an elongation angle of 6.4 degrees.
Although astronomically the crescent moon is confirmed to be below the horizon, Mutoha said the hilal observation (rukyatul hilal) was still carried out in accordance with Indonesia's Hijriah calendar mechanisms.
The observation was conducted because the calendar indicated the 29th of Sha'ban, necessitating the exercise for reporting purposes to the central government.
The rukyatul hilal activity organised by the Yogyakarta Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) was centred at the POB at Syekh Bela Belu hill in Bantul on Tuesday afternoon, in collaboration with BHR DIY.
"Whatever the outcome, whether already known or not, the important thing is that there is a reporting mechanism from the observers, as the government adopts all criteria, both computational (hisab) and observational (rukyat)," he said.
According to Mutoha, the hilal observation activity in Yogyakarta also serves as a platform for astronomical education, including presentations on crescent moon visibility theory and improving skills in using observation instruments among participants from university students, school pupils, and astronomy communities.
In addition to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and several Islamic organisations, a number of astronomy clubs and representatives from universities in Yogyakarta were also invited.
"What we convey is more educational and informational in nature. As for the information itself, we have already informed everyone that it is impossible to see the crescent moon today," he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Islamic Religious Information, Zakat Empowerment, and Waqf Division at the Yogyakarta Regional Office of Kemenag, Nurhuda, affirmed that the determination of the start of Ramadhan awaits the hilal observation report and the official decision through the isbat session convened by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
"The official determination of the start of Ramadhan will be made through the isbat session opened by the Minister of Religious Affairs. The public is urged to respond to any differences, should they arise, with wisdom, mutual respect, and by maintaining harmony," said Nurhuda.
BHR DIY Chairman Mutoha Arkanuddin explained that, based on astronomical data from the Moon Observation Post (POB) at Syekh Bela Belu hill in Parangtritis, Bantul Regency, the crescent moon's altitude was recorded at minus 1.5 degrees.
"For Yogyakarta at Syekh Bela Belu hill, the crescent moon's altitude is minus 1.5 degrees, meaning it is still below the horizon when the sun sets. This means the moon sets first, making it practically impossible to observe the crescent," said Mutoha when contacted in Yogyakarta on Tuesday.
Mutoha noted that the crescent moon's position also fails to meet the MABIMS criteria (Ministers of Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) for determining the start of Ramadhan, which requires a minimum altitude of 3 degrees with an elongation angle of 6.4 degrees.
Although astronomically the crescent moon is confirmed to be below the horizon, Mutoha said the hilal observation (rukyatul hilal) was still carried out in accordance with Indonesia's Hijriah calendar mechanisms.
The observation was conducted because the calendar indicated the 29th of Sha'ban, necessitating the exercise for reporting purposes to the central government.
The rukyatul hilal activity organised by the Yogyakarta Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) was centred at the POB at Syekh Bela Belu hill in Bantul on Tuesday afternoon, in collaboration with BHR DIY.
"Whatever the outcome, whether already known or not, the important thing is that there is a reporting mechanism from the observers, as the government adopts all criteria, both computational (hisab) and observational (rukyat)," he said.
According to Mutoha, the hilal observation activity in Yogyakarta also serves as a platform for astronomical education, including presentations on crescent moon visibility theory and improving skills in using observation instruments among participants from university students, school pupils, and astronomy communities.
In addition to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and several Islamic organisations, a number of astronomy clubs and representatives from universities in Yogyakarta were also invited.
"What we convey is more educational and informational in nature. As for the information itself, we have already informed everyone that it is impossible to see the crescent moon today," he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Islamic Religious Information, Zakat Empowerment, and Waqf Division at the Yogyakarta Regional Office of Kemenag, Nurhuda, affirmed that the determination of the start of Ramadhan awaits the hilal observation report and the official decision through the isbat session convened by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
"The official determination of the start of Ramadhan will be made through the isbat session opened by the Minister of Religious Affairs. The public is urged to respond to any differences, should they arise, with wisdom, mutual respect, and by maintaining harmony," said Nurhuda.