Governor hesitant about nightspots

Governor hesitant about nightspots

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso on Friday admitted that he was
hesitant about his decision to allow nightspots in the capital to
stay open during the fasting month.

"Many people seem against my decision. Some councillors
demanded a whole-month's closure while certain groups threatened
to raid the nightspots during the fasting month," Sutiyoso said
during a dialog with ulemas in South Jakarta.

"I am trying to accommodate the interests of everybody because
some people do make a living from nightspots, but on the other
hand and I have restricted their operating hours to respect the
holy month of Ramadhan," he added.

A 1999 city bylaw stipulates that during the fasting month of
Ramadhan, amusement centers can open only after the evening
prayers, at about 7 p.m., and must close before the predawn meal,
which begins at about 3 a.m.

One of the Ulema's Ali Bin Zen Al'kaf said that most of the
ulemas understand the reason for the governor's decision because
some people have to make a living and closing the nightspots will
have a negative economic impact.

"I think, the governor should hold a dialog to find the most
suitable solution that can accommodate the needs of everyone.
With the dialog we can make people understand the reason for your
decision," Ali said.

He further said that Islam never condones anarchic actions and
if some groups conduct raids, wreck or burn the nightspots then
they cannot be referred to as representatives of Muslims. (dja)