REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- This year's Eid Al-Fitr (Idul Fitri 1438 H) is expected to be celebrated together by all sections of the Muslim community.

"Hopefully, there will be no differences in calculating the start of Idul Fitri," Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Chairman Ma'ruf Amin stated here Thursday evening.

Idul Fitri always falls on the first day of Syawal, which follows Ramadan as the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

If there is a difference in calculating the start of Idul Fitri, he stated that the people should respect each other by promoting the spirit of unity.

The government will hold an isbat, or confirmation, meeting to determine the start of Idul Fitri at the Religious Affairs Ministry in Jakarta on June 24, 2017.

The MUI and several Islamic organizations will attend the meeting.

Ahead of Idul Fitri that marks the end of Ramadan, he called on Muslims to pay zakat fitrah alms.

Zakat is the practice of Islamic almsgiving. It is the third pillar of faith in Islam, which emphasizes social and economic development and human well-being. This charitable practice is a form of financial worship to express gratitude for the material grace of Allah.

After the month of fasting, he invites Muslims to further increase their adherence to the teachings of Islam and their concern for others, especially to the poor and orphans.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is expected to celebrate this year's Eid Al-Fitr in the Indonesian capital city, Jakarta, before celebrating the Eid festivity in several regions.

"The president plans to perform the Eid prayer in Jakarta," Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung stated at the presidential palace complex here on Thursday.

Jokowi is likely to perform the Eid prayer at the Istiqlal grand mosque, he pointed out.

"Anyway, (during) Eid time, (the president) will be in Jakarta," Anung disclosed.

In the meantime, speaking in connection with the management of the post-fasting Idul Fitri travelers, Anung said the president, in his directive, had expressed hope that the management of the post-fasting Idul Fitri travelers would be better than last year.

"Moreover, several new infrastructure have been built by the government," Anung added.

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