Bans in Jakarta During Ramadan: Sahur on the Road to Raids on Eateries
Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has issued a ban on sahur on the road (SOTR) during Ramadan, as such activities have the potential to create security risks and brawls. The Jakarta Provincial Government will ensure public safety and comfort remain the top priority during Ramadan.
“Anything that creates security risks or disturbances, I will not permit. But if it promotes comfort, I will allow it,” Pramono said after inaugurating the Kerapatan Gereja Protestan Minahasa (KGPM) Church building in the Senen area, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (14/2/2026).
According to him, the approach taken is to assess the direct impact of activities on the ground. If communal sahur meals are conducted in an orderly manner without disturbing public order, they are still acceptable. However, if activities lead to unauthorized convoys or clashes, firm action will be taken.
Additionally, Pramono also affirmed he will not allow mass organizations (ormas) to conduct sweeps (raids) on restaurants during Ramadan. He urged all parties to maintain a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere heading into the fasting month.
“I want to emphasize that welcoming Ramadan must be filled with peace and harmony,” Pramono said in the Senen area, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (14/2/2026).
He explained that Jakarta’s current festivities are still in the Lunar New Year atmosphere until February 17. After that, the city’s atmosphere will shift to welcoming Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The Jakarta Provincial Government, he said, has prepared various measures to ensure the worship period runs smoothly.
When asked about the potential for eatery sweeps by mass organizations, Pramono firmly stated the prohibition.
“As governor, I am responsible for this and I will not allow any sweeping,” he stated firmly.
Previously, the Jakarta Provincial Government urged all mass organizations and community groups not to conduct sweeps or independent raids on food stalls during Ramadan. The provincial government asked food business owners to put up curtains at their establishments.
“We urge all mass organizations and community groups not to conduct sweeps or independent raids,” Jakarta Governor’s Special Staff Chico Hakim told reporters on Saturday (14/2/2026).
Chico said enforcement of business operational regulations during the fasting period falls under the authority of the government and law enforcement agencies. He emphasized there should be no unilateral sweeps.
“Enforcement or oversight of business operations during fasting is the authority of the government and law enforcement agencies (such as the Civil Service Police Unit, Transportation Agency, or police in accordance with relevant regional regulations), not mass organizations or community groups acting unilaterally,” he said.
“Such sweeping actions have the potential to cause disruption, violate public order, and are inconsistent with the spirit of Ramadan as a holy month full of grace,” he added.
Furthermore, the Jakarta Provincial Government asked food stall owners to install curtains. He also reminded business owners to maintain order and avoid crowds.
“The Jakarta Provincial Government, through relevant agencies, advises food stall or restaurant owners to install curtains or coverings so that daytime eating activities are not openly visible from outside, as a form of respect for those who are fasting,” he said.
“Maintain order and avoid creating disruptive crowds,” he added.