'Why closures only in Ramadhan?'<\/p>\n
The fasting month of Ramadhan will be observed by Muslims around
\nthe world beginning in early November. During the fasting month,
\nthe city administration has decided to close down or reduce the
\nopening hours of nightspots, particularly those normally
\nassociated with "vice". The administration has said the decision
\nwas made out of "respect for the holy month". Residents gave The
\nJakarta Post their opinions on the issue.<\/p>\n
Niko, 30, an architect-cum-singer who lives in Blok S, South
\nJakarta:<\/p>\n
I don't think the city administration has the right to order
\nsuch a closure or limitation in operating hours because it
\nnegatively affects so many workers at these places.<\/p>\n
There are thousands of waiters and cashiers and other workers
\nwho earn a living at nightspots. Don't they also have the right
\nto make a living?<\/p>\n
Besides, dictating the moral behavior of people who frequent
\nnightspots does not fall within the jurisdiction of the city
\nadministration. That is up to the individuals.<\/p>\n
Yes, the majority of the population here are Muslims, who
\ndeserve respect while observing the holy month.<\/p>\n
But at the same time, Muslims must also respect those who are
\nnot observing the fasting month.<\/p>\n
Candra, 31, an interior designer who also sings three times a
\nweek at a well-known hotel lounge:<\/p>\n
I think the closures and limitations on operating hours are
\nfine. It will not affect me because I am just an entertainer, not
\nthe owner of a nightspot. Besides, I only sing at respected and
\nwell-known cafes or in hotel lounges.<\/p>\n
My contract will be honored even if the limited opening hours
\nare enforced. Even with the shorter operating hours, I can take
\nthe stage several hours earlier to meet the deadline.<\/p>\n
But the question is, why are there these limitation during the
\nfasting month only and not all year long? The sins being
\ncommitted will not be stopped.<\/p>\n
Mona, 29, an entrepreneur who lives and works in Pondok
\nPinang, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I think that as long as the partiers do not harm other people,
\nthey should be allowed to do whatever they like.<\/p>\n
But since the city administration has decided to close down
\nnightspots during the fasting month, we must obey the order.<\/p>\n
I usually visit a cafe or two during my free time but I don't
\nthink I will visit any cafes during the fasting month.<\/p>\n
Reza, 27, a producer who lives in Kedoya, West Jakarta:<\/p>\n
The city administration should pay attention to the workers
\nwho earn their living at nightspots.<\/p>\n
It would be better if the administration just reduced the
\nopening hours instead of closing (nightspots) for the whole
\nmonth.<\/p>\n
The workers' income would still be cut, but I think such a
\ncompromise would work for all related parties.<\/p>\n
As for myself, I often take prospective clients to well-known
\ncafes to smooth out our business deals. Most of the time I
\nclinch my contracts during such informal meetings rather than
\nformal ones.<\/p>\n
Closing down "notorious" establishments during the fasting
\nmonth will not solve any moral problems. And besides matters of
\nmorality are personal, and people can simply find other places to
\ndo what they are going to do.<\/p>\n
Ima, 26, the manger of a batik gallery in Bintaro, South
\nJakarta:<\/p>\n
Closing and cutting the opening hours of nightspots is fine
\nwith me. We must reduce such activities during the holy month.<\/p>\n
But the owners and employers must take care of their employees
\nduring the fasting month, because the employees still have to
\nsupport themselves.<\/p>\n
The order to close and limit nightspots has become routine for
\nthe city administration every year. So there is no reason for the
\nowners to neglect their employees, because they have had 11
\nmonths to make up for the losses during the fasting month.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/why-closures-only-in-ramadhan-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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