New Year's a quiet affair in Yogyakarta

YOGYAKARTA: Governor Paku Alam VIII has ordered hotels not to serve guests alcohol during New Year's Eve celebrations, Antara reported yesterday.

Supermarkets and stores are prohibited from selling alcohol one day before and one day after the New Year, the governor added in his instruction on New Year celebrations.

He also said entertainment should be religious in nature to comply with the Islamic fasting month. Amoral behavior and excessive partying, all against religious teachings, have also been banned as it could distract Moslems during fasting.

New Year's day marks the first day of the Islamic fasting month, Ramadhan. (swe)