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