Food Stalls Open During Daytime in Ramadan "Warned" by Mataram Civil Service Police

Mataram (ANTARA) — The Mataram City Government in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), through its Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), has intensified surveillance of food stalls operating during daytime hours or outside the regulations in force during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah/2026.

Head of Mataram’s Satpol PP, Irwan Rahadi, said on Monday that by the fifth day of Ramadan, his unit had issued warnings to at least five locations where food stalls were found still serving customers outside permitted hours.

“So far, there are around five locations that we have swept and issued warnings to for operating outside Ramadan regulations,” he said.

The majority of these food stalls, he said, were small vendors or eateries operating covertly.

“One warning from us should be enough. If they persist, we can carry out seizure of goods or forced closure,” he said.

He explained that the enforcement operation is based on a Mayoral Circular regulating the operation of food businesses during Ramadan, which permits trading only between 4pm and 4.30am local time (WITA).

Although certain restaurants are granted leniency provided they use curtains, the authorities stressed that the rules must still be respected to maintain comfort for the community observing the fast.

“This is intended so that the fasting worship of Muslims can proceed smoothly, safely, and with devotion,” he said.

In connection with this, his unit urged all residents of Mataram to maintain a harmonious, safe, and peaceful atmosphere, and to continue upholding inter-religious tolerance.

Muslims observing the fast were encouraged to fill the month of Ramadan with acts of worship, social activities, congregational prayers at mosques or prayer rooms, and other religious observances.