Mataram City Government Asks Schools to Suspend Students Involved in Illegal Racing and Arm Wrestling During Ramadan
The Mataram City Government, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), has stated that it will take firm action against students involved in illegal racing, firecracker fights, sarong fights, and arm wrestling during Ramadan. Schools are being asked to impose strict sanctions, including suspensions, on students who are found to have violated the rules.
“We urge parents not to allow their children to participate in sarong fights; let us maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the holy month of Ramadan. If any students are found to be involved in firecracker fights or sarong fights, we will take firm action,” said the Head of the Mataram City Education Office, Yusuf, when confirmed on Thursday (February 26, 2026).
Yusuf explained that the handling of students who violate the rules will be delegated to each school, in accordance with school norms, ethics, and regulations. The Education Office will coordinate with school principals in implementing sanctions.
“Of course, the actions will be in accordance with the rules applicable in each school. We will work together with school principals because there are norms, ethics, and regulations in each school,” he explained.
Based on observations in the field on Thursday evening, a number of teenagers were seen gathering before the iftar (breaking of the fast) and Tarawih prayers in several locations in Mataram City. These included Jalan Dr. Sudjono, Jempong, Sekarbela, and the areas of Jalan Lingkar Selatan, Jalan Adi Sucipto, Udayana, and TGH Faesal. These locations are often used as gathering places for illegal racing.
“We ask parents to look after their children during this holy month of Ramadan. We also urge the community to work together to supervise our children,” he concluded.
Previously, on Saturday (February 21) evening, a dozen teenagers in Mataram City were secured by the police. The teenagers were secured while they were engrossed in arm wrestling with bets in the Pagutan Timur area, Mataram District.
Mataram Police Chief AKP Mulyadi said that the teenagers were secured after receiving reports from the public. According to him, residents were concerned about the arm wrestling activity. In addition to securing the teenagers, officers also secured a number of two-wheeled vehicles at the location. “We received reports of teenagers allegedly engaging in arm wrestling with bets. We secured at least 14 young people,” said Mulyadi.
It is known that the Mayor of Mataram, Mohan Roliskana, issued a Circular Letter (SE) Number 100.3.4.3/877/SETDA/II/2026. One of the points in the Circular Letter prohibits illegal racing and various activities that could potentially cause disruption during the holy month of Ramadan.