Muslim youths want nightspots closed

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Some 200 Muslim youths took to the streets here on Wednesday, marching to the provincial legislative council to demand the closure of all nightspots and amusement centers during the fasting month.

The youths, grouped in the Islamic Youth Forum Action for Education and Ramadhan (Faripilar), also asked the administration to annul the operation permit for pig breeding, which they said caused air pollution.

They claimed that most nightspots and amusement centers abused their licenses by promoting illegal activities.

The group also urged authorities to seize pornographic VCDs circulating in Medan. The non-violent protest ended peacefully.

Similar demands have been voiced by Muslim groups in many parts of the country. In Jakarta and Makassar, South Sulawesi, several nightspots have been destroyed by Muslim groups for operating during the fasting month. (39/sur)