MUI Opposes Sweeping Raids on Restaurants During Ramadan, Calls for Mutual Respect
Jakarta — Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Deputy Chairman Cholil Nafis has called on the public to refrain from conducting sweeping raids or unilateral crackdowns on food stalls that remain open during the month of Ramadan.
“I do not support sweeping operations during Ramadan. However, we ask local governments to regulate establishments in areas where people are fasting, and to respect those who are fasting,” Cholil said in a statement in Jakarta, quoted on Friday, 20 February 2026.
Cholil reminded those observing the fast that there is no need to resort to raids on restaurants that remain open during Ramadan. At the same time, he urged food stall owners to show mutual respect.
“Do not commit wrongdoing, because it is not your duty to conduct sweeping raids. It is enough to strengthen ourselves, whilst we mutually respect both those who are fasting and those who are not,” he said.
Local governments, he added, must take an active role in ensuring that those earning a livelihood through food stall businesses continue to maintain an atmosphere of devotion and respect for those who are fasting.
“But this must be understood by local and regional governments, so that food stalls opening at midday during Ramadan are regulated to maintain conducive conditions, preserve the sanctity of the fast, and respect those who are fasting,” he said.
Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar called on all Muslims to use Ramadan as a moment to strengthen social piety and national harmony amidst the dynamics of public life.
The MUI Advisory Council Deputy Chairman said Ramadan must deliver an impact that is not only felt on a personal level but also strengthens solidarity and national brotherhood.
“Ramadan is a moment to strengthen social piety and nurture national harmony. It is not merely individual worship, but a spiritual school that shapes our compassion, empathy, and responsibility as part of the Indonesian nation,” Nasaruddin said.