Crackdown on nightspots for Ramadhan

Crackdown on nightspots for Ramadhan

JAKARTA: Indonesia's Islamic authority urged the government on
Monday to close nightspots and ban television shows featuring
pornography and violence during the Muslim fasting month of
Ramadhan.

"We call on the government to close all entertainment spots
and put in order television shows which exhibit pornography and
violence," the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) said in a
statement.

"The holy month of Ramadhan should become a momentum to
develop good conduct, especially among the young generation."

Local soap operas featuring violence and romantic intrigue are
popular among Indonesians.

Ramadhan is to start around Oct. 27 in Indonesia, depending on
the sighting of the moon by government experts.

Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-populated country,
with more than 80 percent of its 212 million people following
Islam.

During previous Ramadhans, Jakarta governor Sutiyoso ordered
nightclubs, bars, discos, saunas, massage parlors and games
parlors closed for the month.

Cafes, restaurants and live music halls were allowed to
operate for reduced hours except on six days considered
especially holy.

Any violation of the closure order would cost businesses their
licenses.

Muhammad Riziq Shihab, the jailed head of the hardline Front
for the Defenders of Islam, has urged Jakarta officials to shut
down bars, discos and nightclubs during Ramadan or face possible
raids from his supporters.

Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second largest Islamic organization,
has announced that Ramadan will start on Oct. 27.

The largest organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, has not yet
announced a start date. The two organizations -- which claim tens
of millions of members -- traditionally differ on when the month
should begin.
Muslims must shun eating, drinking, smoking and sex each day from
dawn to dusk during Ramadan.