Ramadhan closures protested against

JAKARTA: Hundreds of hospitality industry employees from Jakarta protested on Thursday against a Gubernatorial Degree banning the operations of certain activities during Ramadhan.

The protesters conveyed their demands in front of the City Hall on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan and the City Council building on Jl. Kebon Sirih, both in Central Jakarta. The protest caused heavy traffic congestion in the area.

The gubernatorial decree, issued on Monday, bans massage parlors, discotheques, gaming centers, bars, live music and saunas from operating during the Muslim fasting month.

However, the decree allows karaoke bars, billiard halls and other entertainment spots in star-rated hotels to operate between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. during Ramadhan.

The decree also allows bowling arenas, golf courses, golf driving ranges, sports centers, ice skating, movie theaters and swimming pools to operate.

There are around 3,000 entertainment centers in the city. -- JP