'Nightspot decree against people's personal wishes'<\/p>\n
Nightlife in Jakarta will soon cool down as Governor Sutiyoso has
\nissued a decree banning the operation of certain entertainment
\ncenters during the fasting month of Ramadhan, while other
\nnightspots have been asked to reduce their working hours. The
\nJakarta Post talked to several people on the issue.<\/p>\n
Danny Pope is a regular visitor at nightspots on Jl. Jaksa, in
\nCentral Jakarta. The British man has been living in the city for
\nsix years:<\/p>\n
I disagree with the city administration's regulation to close
\ndown or reduce the operating hours of entertainment centers and
\nnightspots.<\/p>\n
The ban, I think, obviously infringes on people's personal
\nchoices. All people are forced to comply with the rules,
\nregardless of their religion and citizenship.<\/p>\n
I think it's better to let the nightspots open and let the
\npeople choose whatever they prefer. If they want to go, just go.
\nIf they don't want to go, don't go.<\/p>\n
I must say that it's a pity for the workers who rely on their
\nincome from the entertainment centers. I wonder how they could
\nsurvive during the fasting month.<\/p>\n
Again, as one of the visitors (to the nightspots), I don't
\nagree with the regulation.<\/p>\n
Imam is a cafe owner on Jl. Jaksa, Central Jakarta. He has
\nbeen running the business for four years. He is married and has
\ntwo children:<\/p>\n
Despite the fact that I'm a Muslim, I disagree with the
\nregulation issued by the city administrative on the closure of
\ncertain nightspots. Speaking as a human being, not an owner, I
\nwould say that it's unfair.<\/p>\n
Cafes, pubs, bars and discotheques along the street here are
\nnot simply for entertainment and pleasure. Such places have
\nbecome tourist centers in which many tourists frequent to
\nexchange information.<\/p>\n
We cannot deny the fact that for most tourists, having fun at
\nentertainment spots is part of their lifestyle.<\/p>\n
In addition, many workers' livelihood is very much dependent
\nupon entertainment centers like this.<\/p>\n
I cannot imagine how hundreds and thousands of employees will
\nsurvive during the one-month closure.<\/p>\n
It would not be unreasonable to say that some temporary
\nunemployment could be a potential cause of street crimes as
\nemployees need the money to survive.<\/p>\n
I myself can manage to support my employees during Ramadhan.<\/p>\n
Adeng, 37, is a regular visitor of entertainment centers. He
\nresides in Bojonggede, Bogor, with his wife and two children:<\/p>\n
If the regulation is enacted in the upcoming month, I think it
\nwill be unfair. Many people visit bars or nightspots because they
\nneed to relax and have fun.<\/p>\n
It doesn't mean that those who frequent the nightspots are all
\nbad people and acting against certain religious tenets. How about
\nthe workers? They have the right to earn an income and if the
\nregulation is implemented it would be a violation of human
\nrights.<\/p>\n
I'm a Muslim but I'm of the opinion that religion is a very
\npersonal belief. The government regulation should be optional,
\nnot mandatory.<\/p>\n
In fact, not all nightspot visitors are Muslims, so why should
\nthey be treated like Muslims? This is not an Islamic state,
\nright?<\/p>\n
The most important thing is that Muslims should use not only
\nthe Holy Koran but also common sense in their observance of the
\nfasting month.<\/p>\n
During Ramadhan, anyway, I will reduce the frequency of my bar
\nvisits.<\/p>\n
Dedi, 22, is an errand boy of a bar on Jl. Jaksa, Central
\nJakarta. He lives in Pejompongan, West Jakarta with his family:<\/p>\n
I see no problem with the regulation on the nightspots here
\nduring the fasting month. That's the rule and I must obey the
\nrule.<\/p>\n
As a Muslim I would be able to perform the fast better than on
\nnormal working days.<\/p>\n
Perhaps, I will be short of income for a month due to the
\ntemporary closure.<\/p>\n
But, I don't worry about that too much as I my parents will
\nsupport me.<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/nightspot-decree-against-peoples-personal-wishes-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }