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.