Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government has decided to set the date of Idul Fitri, the festivity marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan, at August 31.

Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali made the announcement here on Monday following a meeting with representatives of Islamic organizations to determine the end of the fasting month.

The decision was also made based on reports from those observing the rise of the new moon in various regions in the country. The observers failed to sight the new moon.

Muhammadiyah Islamic organization meanwhile continued with its decision to end fasting on Monday and celebrate Idul Fitri on Tuesday.

Nahdlatul Ulama meanwhile would celebrate Idul Fitri on Wednesday, August 31, after its observers in various regions failed to see the first moon.

"Based on reports from 90 locations none of NU`s observers saw the new moon," its general chairman, KH Said Aqil Siroj, said.

Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama are the two largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia.
(T.P008/Uu.H-YH/HAJM)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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