Closure of amusement centers

Closure of amusement centers

The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) has urged the government
to close down all amusement centers during the upcoming fasting
month of Ramadhan. Managers of these amusement centers of course
want to continue business while the government tries to
accommodate the interests of all parties.

Debates on whether or not amusement centers should be closed
during Ramadhan always emerge shortly before the fasting month
begins. It seems that the Jakarta administration waits to see the
public's reaction before acting on these debates.

Despite the fact that Ramadhan comes every year, the city
administration's policy on closing down amusement centers remains
unclear. This attitude opens the way for corruption and collusion
between businessmen and government officials. There is always a
chance for "negotiations in a dark room, filled with money".

What we need is a regulation with sanctions, not only for the
upcoming fasting month but for future Ramadhans as well.

A regulation will stop debates on the closure of amusement
centers and close the door to corruption and collusion. Of
course, the rules have to accommodate the interests of all
quarters, especially Muslims. We believe that managers of
entertainment venues would understand this.

-- Republika, Jakarta