The Indonesia's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) announced a so-called ikhbar that the beginning of Ramadhan 1438 H would fall on Saturday (27/5) tomorrow following the NU rukyat team in various parts across the country that claimed to have succeeded in seeing the new moon (hilal).
The ikhbar was made by the General Chairman of NU KH Said Aqil Siroj after hearing the observation report of the NU rukyat team through a teleconference at the Nusantara Command Center (NCC) building, NU headquarters, in Jakarta on Friday (26/5).
In the teleconference, it was reported the hilal could clearly be seen at Bukit Condrodipo, Gresik East Java, in which the hilal position was at a height of 7 degrees and was above the horizon about 31 minutes from 17:21 pm.
Hilal was also seen in Lamongan at 17.38 until the next eight minutes. The position of hilal was 5 degrees.
Thus, the NU ikhbar on the beginning of Ramadan is in accordance with the government's decision made in an isbat (confirmation) meeting held by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Entering the holy month of Ramadhan, Kiai Said appealed for Nahdliyin (NU followers) to perform tarawih and witr prayers starting this Friday evening. (Kendi Setiawan/Masdar)