Authorities crack down on prostitution

BATAM, Riau: The Batam administration has warned red-light districts on the island not to operate during the fasting month of Ramadhan.

The local government will allow entertainment centers such as pubs, karaoke clubs and discotheques to open between 9:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. during the fasting month.

City administration secretary Mambang Mit said on Tuesday a government-sanctioned team would monitor the implementation of the policy.

"The team will control and supervise nightclubs and red-light districts. We won't hesitate to take legal action against those who violate the regulation," he told The Jakarta Post.

The secretary of the Barelang Entertainment Service Association, Ady Layla, said the industry had no choice but to accept the decision. -- JP