Nightspots to be closed for 6 days during Ramadhan
Nightspots to be closed for 6 days during Ramadhan
JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has issued a
gubernatorial decree banning the operation of discotheques,
cafes, massage parlors, live music centers, billiard houses and
nightclubs for six days during the fasting month, the public
order office announced yesterday.
Toha Reno, head of the public order and entertainment
subdivision, said that Decree No. 437/1997, dated Nov. 26,
pertains to the day before and first day of Ramadhan, one day
before Idul Fitri, the two public holidays and the day after Idul
Fitri.
One of the 10 instructions in the decree bans entertainment
spots from holding New Year's Eve parties this year because the
date marks the start of the fasting month, he said.
Another instruction deals with regulations on opening hours
for nightspots during the fasting month.
Toha said that nightclubs and discotheques will be allowed to
operate from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; massage parlors, spa and fitness
centers from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; live music centers from 8 p.m. to
midnight.
The operating hours of bars, pubs, cafes and karaoke centers
will be from 8 p.m. to midnight and billiard houses from 10 a.m.
until midnight.
Most of these entertainment centers usually open from 6:30
p.m. to 2 a.m. on week days and from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. on
weekends, Toha said.
Governor Sutiyoso said last week that the issuance of the
decree was aimed at improving tolerance among the city's
residents.
"Jakarta is already a diverse society. Many of its residents
come from different ethnic and religions backgrounds. Therefore,
being tolerant is very important because it is a consequence of
living together in such a heterogeneous city," he said.
Djafar Badjeber, head of Commission B for economic affairs,
urged the municipality yesterday to consider the possibility of
closing down all entertainment spots during the fasting month.
"I urge the city to close them down totally during the fasting
month because I think the moral degradation stemming from
activities in such places will blemish the holy fasting month.
"Besides, it's better for the city to close the businesses
down for a while because there will be fewer visitors during the
fasting month."
Serious
In response to Djafar's statement, Toha said that the decree
was issued after serious discussions involving all related
parties.
"We respect the councilor's opinion. But I think it is
impossible to close down all the entertainment businesses in the
city during the fasting month.
"Jakarta is a diverse, metropolitan and international city
with inhabitants from various backgrounds. So, every decision
made by the municipality must cover all aspects and interests,"
Toha said.
"Moreover, if the city decides to close down all entertainment
businesses for a one-month period, who is going to be responsible
for the incomes of thousands of workers, and their families who
would be affected?
"Can the city councilors make sure that those workers will not
suffer? And furthermore, those types of entertainment venues draw
customers from certain social and economic classes.
"We have to think about the continuation of businesses and the
related parties whose lives depend upon it."
He said that if residents could exercise more tolerance there
would be no problems in implementing the instructions.
"The most important thing now is for my office to ensure
strict control and supervision so that no entertainment spots
break the rules," Toha said. (edt)