13,000 police officers at ready for Ramadhan

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said on Wednesday some 13,000 officers would be deployed to secure the city during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan.

"I want to ensure the safety of the capital during Ramadhan.

"The police officers will be on guard beginning Thursday, the first day of the holy fasting month, through the end of January next year," Noegroho said after installing Col. Nono Suprijono as the new South Jakarta Police chief.

Noegroho called on city residents not to commit acts of violence which could damage religious harmony.

"City residents should not take the law into their own hands and create chaos by acts of arson, for example. If they find any disturbing activities in their respective neighborhoods, they should just report to the nearest police station... We will handle the rest," he said.

Governor Sutiyoso said on Monday residents must not impose their will by forcing entertainment centers to close down during Ramadhan.

"The residents can't take any action as long as the nightspots have permits," Sutiyoso said.

He said the city administration issued a decree ordering all nightspots to close on the day prior to and the first day of Ramadhan; on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; and on the two days of and the day after the Idul Fitri post-fasting celebration.

"On other days, normal operating hours will apply," he said.

He said nightspots would be allowed to operate during Ramadhan if they possessed the proper business licenses.

"Jakarta is a metropolis and the country's capital city. I have to accommodate the interests of people from different walks of life," he said after addressing a ceremony commemorating World AIDS Day at Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center.

Hailai

In a related development, some 20 activists from the Islamic Defenders Front protested late Tuesday outside Hailai discotheque in Ancol, North Jakarta. The activists demanded the owner close the discotheque during Ramadhan, North Jakarta Police chief of operational control Maj. Bayu Eko Ridariyanto said on Wednesday.

"The protesters dispersed peacefully after Hailai's representatives told them that their demand would be seriously considered," Bayu said.

"It is quite funny since the city administration has issued a decree stating otherwise," he said laughing. (ylt)