Makassar City Government Issues Circular Mandating Nightlife Venues Close During Ramadan
Makassar (ANTARA) — The Makassar City Government in South Sulawesi has issued Circular No. 11 of 2026 concerning the temporary closure of nightlife entertainment venues (THM) in observance of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE and the commemoration of Nyepi (Saka New Year 1948).
Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin confirmed on Tuesday that the closure of nightlife venues during Ramadan represents the city government's commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of public worship.
"Regarding Ramadan, we will close nightlife venues. I can assure you that we will issue a circular to ensure this — nightlife venues must not be opened," he said.
The circular, signed in Makassar on 13 February 2026, is addressed to all operators and proprietors of karaoke establishments, family singing venues, and massage or reflexology parlours operating within Makassar.
The policy was adopted as a mark of respect towards Muslims observing the Ramadan fast, as well as Hindus commemorating Nyepi, which falls on 19 March 2026.
The circular stipulates that the temporary closure arrangements also refer to Makassar City Regional Regulation No. 5/2011 on Tourism Business Registration Certificates, specifically Article 34 paragraph (1), points (a) and (e).
"The provisions stipulate that all karaoke businesses, family singing venues, and massage or reflexology parlours must temporarily cease operations from Tuesday, 17 February 2026," the circular states.
The Makassar City Government has indicated that any violation of the circular's provisions will be subject to sanctions in accordance with prevailing legislation.
Through this policy, the city government hopes all business operators will comply with the established rules in order to maintain public order and create a conducive and solemn atmosphere during Ramadan and Nyepi.
The mayor reminded the public that Ramadan is a month of abundant blessings and multiplied rewards, urging the community to make the most of the occasion by increasing acts of worship.
"We also appeal to the younger generation not to mark Ramadan with activities that could potentially disturb public order," he said.
Regarding the activities of civil servants (ASN) during Ramadan, he confirmed that all government programmes will proceed as normal, including the Ramadan Safari initiative.
"Our activities remain the same — there is the Ramadan Safari, where we visit communities across various areas to communicate government programmes to the public," he said.
Through this policy, Arifuddin reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a balance between public activities and religious values as well as social order within the community.
"This will proceed according to the schedule issued by colleagues in the Social Welfare division together with the newly appointed sub-district and village heads," he explained.
Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin confirmed on Tuesday that the closure of nightlife venues during Ramadan represents the city government's commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of public worship.
"Regarding Ramadan, we will close nightlife venues. I can assure you that we will issue a circular to ensure this — nightlife venues must not be opened," he said.
The circular, signed in Makassar on 13 February 2026, is addressed to all operators and proprietors of karaoke establishments, family singing venues, and massage or reflexology parlours operating within Makassar.
The policy was adopted as a mark of respect towards Muslims observing the Ramadan fast, as well as Hindus commemorating Nyepi, which falls on 19 March 2026.
The circular stipulates that the temporary closure arrangements also refer to Makassar City Regional Regulation No. 5/2011 on Tourism Business Registration Certificates, specifically Article 34 paragraph (1), points (a) and (e).
"The provisions stipulate that all karaoke businesses, family singing venues, and massage or reflexology parlours must temporarily cease operations from Tuesday, 17 February 2026," the circular states.
The Makassar City Government has indicated that any violation of the circular's provisions will be subject to sanctions in accordance with prevailing legislation.
Through this policy, the city government hopes all business operators will comply with the established rules in order to maintain public order and create a conducive and solemn atmosphere during Ramadan and Nyepi.
The mayor reminded the public that Ramadan is a month of abundant blessings and multiplied rewards, urging the community to make the most of the occasion by increasing acts of worship.
"We also appeal to the younger generation not to mark Ramadan with activities that could potentially disturb public order," he said.
Regarding the activities of civil servants (ASN) during Ramadan, he confirmed that all government programmes will proceed as normal, including the Ramadan Safari initiative.
"Our activities remain the same — there is the Ramadan Safari, where we visit communities across various areas to communicate government programmes to the public," he said.
Through this policy, Arifuddin reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a balance between public activities and religious values as well as social order within the community.
"This will proceed according to the schedule issued by colleagues in the Social Welfare division together with the newly appointed sub-district and village heads," he explained.