The Indonesian government has declared that February 19, Thursday, will be the start of Ramadan.

The decision comes after the government held an Isbat (confirmation) meeting in Jakarta.

Ramadan Begins on February 19

According to a report by ANTARA News, the announcement was made by the religious affairs minister.

"The results of the Isbat meeting have determined that the 1st of Ramadan 1447 Hijri falls on Thursday," Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said in a press conference.

The report notes that the date announced by the Indonesian government differs from the date announced by Muhammadiyah, which is one of Indonesia's largest Islamic organizations. Muhammadiyah has declared today, February 18, as the start of Ramadan.

The difference has been attributed to the the differences in methods used to calculate the start of Ramadan.

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What Method Does Indonesia Follow?

The Jakarta Globe notes that Indonesia follows the moon-visibility criteria agreed upon by MABIMS, which includes Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

According to this criteria, the crescent moon must be at least three degrees above the horizon at sunset. It should also have a minimum elongation of 6.4 degrees between the moon and the sun.

Indonesia also makes use of a hybrid system that combines astronomical calculations (hisab) and physical moon observation (rukyat) in order to determine the start of Islamic lunar months.

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