Amusement centers temporarily banned

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Medan Mayor Bachtiar Djafar ordered all entertainment spots to halt operations during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, which begins on Thursday.

The entertainment spots include discotheques, bars, karaoke houses, pubs, massage parlors and spas.

The order was issued on Wednesday following pressure from ulema.

"We don't want any disturbances such as attacks by angry residents to occur. Let's respect the Ramadhan fasting month," the mayor said. (39/edt)