'Nightspot decree against people's personal wishes'

Nightlife in Jakarta will soon cool down as Governor Sutiyoso has issued a decree banning the operation of certain entertainment centers during the fasting month of Ramadhan, while other nightspots have been asked to reduce their working hours. The Jakarta Post talked to several people on the issue.

Danny Pope is a regular visitor at nightspots on Jl. Jaksa, in Central Jakarta. The British man has been living in the city for six years:

I disagree with the city administration's regulation to close down or reduce the operating hours of entertainment centers and nightspots.

The ban, I think, obviously infringes on people's personal choices. All people are forced to comply with the rules, regardless of their religion and citizenship.

I think it's better to let the nightspots open and let the people choose whatever they prefer. If they want to go, just go. If they don't want to go, don't go.

I must say that it's a pity for the workers who rely on their income from the entertainment centers. I wonder how they could survive during the fasting month.

Again, as one of the visitors (to the nightspots), I don't agree with the regulation.

Imam is a cafe owner on Jl. Jaksa, Central Jakarta. He has been running the business for four years. He is married and has two children:

Despite the fact that I'm a Muslim, I disagree with the regulation issued by the city administrative on the closure of certain nightspots. Speaking as a human being, not an owner, I would say that it's unfair.

Cafes, pubs, bars and discotheques along the street here are not simply for entertainment and pleasure. Such places have become tourist centers in which many tourists frequent to exchange information.

We cannot deny the fact that for most tourists, having fun at entertainment spots is part of their lifestyle.

In addition, many workers' livelihood is very much dependent upon entertainment centers like this.

I cannot imagine how hundreds and thousands of employees will survive during the one-month closure.

It would not be unreasonable to say that some temporary unemployment could be a potential cause of street crimes as employees need the money to survive.

I myself can manage to support my employees during Ramadhan.

Adeng, 37, is a regular visitor of entertainment centers. He resides in Bojonggede, Bogor, with his wife and two children:

If the regulation is enacted in the upcoming month, I think it will be unfair. Many people visit bars or nightspots because they need to relax and have fun.

It doesn't mean that those who frequent the nightspots are all bad people and acting against certain religious tenets. How about the workers? They have the right to earn an income and if the regulation is implemented it would be a violation of human rights.

I'm a Muslim but I'm of the opinion that religion is a very personal belief. The government regulation should be optional, not mandatory.

In fact, not all nightspot visitors are Muslims, so why should they be treated like Muslims? This is not an Islamic state, right?

The most important thing is that Muslims should use not only the Holy Koran but also common sense in their observance of the fasting month.

During Ramadhan, anyway, I will reduce the frequency of my bar visits.

Dedi, 22, is an errand boy of a bar on Jl. Jaksa, Central Jakarta. He lives in Pejompongan, West Jakarta with his family:

I see no problem with the regulation on the nightspots here during the fasting month. That's the rule and I must obey the rule.

As a Muslim I would be able to perform the fast better than on normal working days.

Perhaps, I will be short of income for a month due to the temporary closure.

But, I don't worry about that too much as I my parents will support me.

-- Leo Wahyudi S