Koran recitals, not parties, for New Year

YOGYAKARTA: Several hotels here have said they will hold recitals of the Holy Koran rather than stage parties to welcome in the New Year, according to police.

Antara quoted provincial police chief Col. Bani Siswono as saying that some hotel managers had agreed to hold the program because Dec. 31 coincides with the beginning of the Moslem fasting month of Ramadhan.

"It's a good sign from hotel managers," he said.

Bani said hotels were forbidden to stage live shows and those who attended parties should be properly clad to avoid drawing too much public attention.

He said the recital of the Koran would last until midnight and would be followed by New Year's Eve celebrations.

Bani called on hoteliers and nightclub owners to have respect for Moslems who would be starting the fasting month.

Separately, Antara reported from Denpasar, Bali, that the province has decided to follow Jakarta's decision to cancel New Year's Eve celebrations at all entertainment and amusement centers such as pubs, discos and karaoke bars.

Governor Ida Bagus Oka said yesterday the decision was made because Dec. 31 coincides with the first day of the Moslem holy month.

Oka, as quoted by Antara, explained that the provincial government would tolerate private celebrations in hotels.

"But celebrations in public places like on the streets or banjar (Balinese neighborhood meeting places) will not be allowed," he said.

"Our people respect other religions because we expect the same from them. I am sure people will not mind if we tell them in a proper way that most Indonesians are performing their religious practice," he said.

The managers of some entertainment centers commented that the provincial government's decision should be supported although they said their earnings, which escalate during New Year celebrations, would drop drastically.

The public relations managers of Grand Bali Hyatt and Nikko Bali Hotel shared the opinion that the governor's move to allow private parties in local star-rated hotels was a positive one.

They said it is different in Jakarta which is predominantly Moslem, and in Bali, which is predominantly Hindu.

They said they expect those who want to celebrate the New Year to flock to Bali. (aan)