'Nightspot decree against people's personal wishes'

'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