Due to the Muslim fasting month known as Ramadhan, Governor Sutiyoso has issued a decree banning or reducing the operation of entertainment centers and nightspots during that time which should begin on Nov. 7. Some local people share their opinion with The Jakarta Post.

Adit, not his real name, an activist with a non-governmental organization in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. He resides in East Jakarta with his wife:

I disagree with the city administration's regulation to close down or reduce the operating hours of the nightspots because of the upcoming fasting month.

I'm sure that the regulation is issued due to a certain group's pressures complaining about the prostitution or other negative labels for the nightspots.

The government has so far failed to take stern actions to regulate (delinquent) entertainment spots. As a result, there are certain religious groups who wrongly generalize all nightspots as a source of sins that must be eradicated.

Not all bars, pubs, massage parlors or discotheques can be equated with prostitution or other irregularities. It depends on the deal between the customer and the service provider.

I go to massage parlors in the city, for instance, but strictly for my health. That's what I pay for. So, it depends on one's own intention when going to such places.

However, we cannot deny the fact that many people are hypocrites. It seems that they have good conduct, while in fact they are the source of irregularities.

Anyway, I will continue to visit massage parlors for my health regardless of the controversy.

Oki, 27, an employee of an international organization in Ragunan, South Jakarta. She resides on Jl. Buncit Raya, South Jakarta:

I personally am upset that the city administration issues such discriminatroy regulations to close down and reduce the operating hours of some legal businesses during Ramadhan.

Many people go to those places to gather with friends and have some fun after working hard all week. Where should they go for fun if many entertainment centers will be closed down during the fasting month? So, many city residents who need relaxation will have little choice.

Well, we know that the regulation was issued in an attempt to appease the Muslim's.

But I think fasting should a challenge. I'm of the opinion that the nightspots should remain open, because people will be forced to be more mature by resisting available worldly temptations. Fasting is meant to be a struggle to free from temptations, that's the value, but if the temptations are gone, then there is no value in resisting them.

Anyway, I will continue to go to cafes or other entertainment centers for the fun, not to sin. I like listening to live music and I need that to help refresh my mind.

Eka Dewi, 20, a first year student of a private business college in Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. She resides in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta:

I agree with the regulation in terms of respecting religious life provided that it does not ban all nightspots and entertainment centers.

We are human and having fun for most city residents like us is part of our basic needs. Well, at least there should be one day in a week for the nightspots to normally open so as to help employees survive.

I go to such places because I like the atmosphere.

I think many people my age, who regularly visit such spots will feel upset if they can not have fun at such establishments for a month.

The public should have understood that nightspots are not necessarily equivalent to alcohol abuse, drug abuse or prostitution. And, all visitors should not automatically be labeled as sinners, especially non-Muslims.

But as a Muslim, I will learn to avoid going to the nightlife for fun during the fasting month.

Audi, 20, a financial consultant with an insurance company. She lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta:

I disagree with the regulation. We have the right to have fun at the entertainment centers.

I think the regulators, perhaps, are mere hypocrites who want to politicize religion to impose the rules, including the ban during the fasting month.

In fact, I have noticed that many high-ranking officials are regular visitors to the nightspots or entertainment centers.

It's better to define thoroughly the concept of entertainment centers or nightspots before formulating the regulation. That would be fair.

--Leo Wahyudi S