Nightspots should respect Muslims during Ramadhan

JAKARTA (JP): Muslim leaders responded positively on Wednesday to Governor Sutiyoso's decision to observe the city bylaw which allows nightspots to remain open during Ramadhan.

Contacted separately, Nadjamuddin Ramly, who chairs the Muhammadiyah Youth, and Ridwan Saidi, the former chairman of the Islamic Student Association, said Islam teaches people to respect differences.

They also expressed concern that many people would lose their source of income if nightspots were closed.

Nadjamudin said Islam promotes religious tolerance, therefore Muslims are not allowed to force people of different religions to follow Islamic teachings.

"We realize that Jakarta is home to followers of various religions. That's why we should respect the right of nightspot operators to keep their businesses open," he said.

However, he called on the business owners to avoid offending Muslims.

"The operators should, for example, not be so demonstrative in staging night-time performances that it will incite the anger of people who are performing their religious obligations," he said.

The 1999 city bylaw stipulates that during the fasting month of Ramadhan amusement centers can open only after the night prayer, at about 7 p.m., and must close before the predawn meal, which begins at about 3 a.m.

While approving the city administration's stance, Ridwan urged all nightspot owners to show tolerance.

"They (the operators) should take their environment into account if they decide to keep their businesses open during the holy month, particularly if the businesses are situated near mosques," said Ridwan.

Ridwan, who also chairs the Muslim-based Masyumi Party, said the closure of nightspots would only have a negative economic impact.

"We should consider that many people would lose their source of income if the nightspots were closed during Ramadhan. The impact would be bad if that happened," he said.

Najamudin also suggested the city administration take stern measures against nightspot owners who breach the regulations of the city bylaw. He said a failure to do so would cost the administration the public's trust.

"Any violation of the regulations will trigger the people's anger, therefore the government should be tough with operators who violate the bylaw," he said.

Objection

Separately, an executive of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) expressed discontent with Sutiyoso's decision, accusing the governor of impinging on Muslims' right to perform their religious obligations.

"By issuing the decree, the governor has violated the country's fundamental principle of Pancasila, especially the first pillar which guarantees the religious practices of citizens," said Djaffar Siddiq, the group's head of militia affairs.

Djaffar insisted nightspots must close during the holy month, because these locations were, according to him, rife with drug dealing.

"We don't yet have any plans to occupy these places if they remain open during the holy month. However, the possibilities are wide open," he said.

FPI, known to group Muslim hard-liners, has often attacked nightspots in the capital. It forced the city authorities to ban discotheques, night clubs and massage parlors from operating during the previous Ramadhan after thousands of its members staged a huge rally at City Hall.

Nightspot owners, meanwhile, breathed a sigh of relief following the governor's decision.

"Alhamdulillah (Thank God). Last year, we lost 30 to 40 percent of our total revenue during the fasting month compared to normal days. If we are allowed to open during Ramadhan, we can make more money," said Arief Hadianto, operations manager at the Hard Rock Cafe. (asa)