Casablanca – In Indonesia, the predicted date of Eid Al Fitr (locally known as Hari Raya Idul Fitri or Lebaran) differs between Muhammadiyah – a major local Islamic institution – and the government.
Unlike the months in the Gregorian calendar, the Hijri calendar is not fixed. Since it is determined by the moon, a lunar month can be either 29 or 30 days depending on its phases.
According to CNN Indonesia, the determination of Eid Al Fitr is often different in the two institutions. This is largely because they use different methods.
Muhammadiyah set Hari Raya Idul Fitri 1447H for Friday, March 20. They rely on the hisab method (astronomical calculation), which predicts the start of 1 Shawwal based on precise lunar positions rather than direct moon observation.
As for the government, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), usually determines the official date using both hisab and rukyat (moon sighting). Preliminary predictions suggest Eid could fall on Saturday, March 21.
The government relies on a regional criteria called MABIMS. For the moon to be considered visible, it should reach a minimum altitude of 3 degrees and an elongation of 6.4 degrees.
Since the astronomical predictions for the evening of March 19 suggest the moon will not meet these conditions, the ministry predicted that Ramadan will complete 30 days, pushing the celebrations to Saturday.
To officially announce the date of Eid al-Fitr, the ministry will hold a sidang isbat (confirmation session) after observing the crescent moon.
During the session, officials review moon-sighting reports from across the country before confirming the end of Ramadan. The final decision depends on whether the moon can be seen on March 19 or not.
In Indonesia, Eid Al Fitr is a time to gather with family. Many people return to their hometowns in a tradition called Mudik or Pulang Kampung. It is often a chance to visit parents, grandparents, and extended relatives.
Food is also an important part of the celebration, with each region known for its specialties. Jakarta and Java, for example, celebrate Eid with ketupat, while in Sumatra people prepare spicy rendang, and burasa is common in Sulawesi.
