Koran recitals, not parties, for New Year

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)