BMKG Monitoring: Hilal 1 Syawal Hasn't Been Seen On Loang Balok Beach, Mataram

Illustration of hilal monitoring to determine 1 Syawal 1444 H as the beginning of Eid Al-Fitr 2023. (Between/Kornelis Kaha)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated, based on the results of observations made at Loang Balok Beach, Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara Hilal 1 Syawal or Idulfitri 1444 Hijriah not seen.

"Hilal 1 Syawal 1444 Hijri has not been seen in the Mataram area, NTB," said Head of the Mataram BMKG Geophysics Station, Ardhianto Septiandhi in a written statement in Mataram, Thursday.

BMKG together with related parties conducted observers starting at 16:00 WITA until 18.30 WITA at Loang Balok Beach with the aim of Rukyat Hilal Early in Syawal 1444 Hijri.

From the results of observations of sunset at 18.11.04 WITA and the Moon at 18.19.01 WITA. Hilal and Sun data at sunset Thursday, April 20, 2023, Azimuth Month 282 deg 59' 28" and Azimuth Matahari 281 deg 30' 17". While the Hilal height: 1 deg 22' 5' with Elongasi 2 deg 222'.

Meanwhile, the weather conditions are cloudy with a temperature of 29° Celcius, pressure of 1,007 hPa and humidity of 75 percent.

"The position of the Moon in the north - Upper Sun and the Illumination Faction is 0.04 percent month," he said as quoted by Antara.

The results of observations at Loang Baloq together with 122 other hilal monitoring sites in Indonesia will be the material for the trial to determine 1 Syawal 1444 Hijriah or Lebaran 2023.

Previously, Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas issued a circular regarding the implementation of Eid al-Fitr 1444 H, one of which contained a message to maintain Islamic ukhuwah in responding to the potential for initial differences in Syawal.

"Muslims are advised to maintain ukhuwah Islamiyah and tolerance in responding to possible differences in the syawal 1 determination of 1444 H/2023 AD," said Minister of Religion Yaqut in a written statement in Jakarta.

Eid al-Fitr 2023 has the potential to differ between the Government's decision and Muhammadiyah's decision. The Muhammadiyah Central Board has informed that it will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on April 21, 2023.

Meanwhile, the government will first hold an initial isbat (determination) session of Shawwal 1444 H/2023 M before setting Eid. The Isbat session will be held on April 20, 2023 at the head office of the Ministry of Religion, Jakarta.

The Isbat session will be held behind closed doors and will be attended by Commission VIII of the DPR RI, the leadership of MUI, the ambassador of friendly countries, representatives of Islamic organizations, and the Hisab Rukyat Team of the Ministry of Religion.