Ied al-Fitr Falls on July 6: Minister Saefuddin

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Ied al-Fitr festivities or Lebaran 1437 Hegira will fall on Wednesday (July 6, 2016), according to the Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saefuddin here on Monday evening.

The minister made the remarks after presiding over a hearing attended by General Chairman of the Indonesian Ulemas Council Maruf Amin, a number of chiefs of Islamic mass organizations, including Islamic figures in Jakarta.

Previously on Sunday (June 5) Minister Lukman Hakim announced that the first day of the fasting month of Ramadan 1437 Hegira fell Monday (June 6, 2016).

The executive board of Indonesias largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) also declared here on Monday that Lebaran or Eid al Fitr would be on July 6.

PBNU official Shohibul Faroji said the PBNU made the announcement after its team conducted the moon sighting exercise in 42 locations in Indonesia.

"The team, on Monday, July 4, 2016 of the 29th of Ramadhan 1437 Hegira conducted moon sighting at a number of locations determined beforehand and failed to sight a crescent moon, thus reaching the decision that the period of Ramadhan is 30 days," he said at a press conference.

PBNU appealed to NU members and Muslims in general to complete their fasting for 30 days until Wednesday, July 6, 2016.

"We wish you all Happy Eid al Fitr 1437 Higira," he added. (WDY)