Nightspots should respect Muslims during Ramadhan

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)