Students urge Ramadhan purge

BOGOR (JP): At least 30 students from different universities here went to the Bogor Regency Office compound in Cibinong yesterday, demanding the local administration takes stern action against owners of restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues during the Ramadhan fasting month.

The students, calling themselves the Students who Love Ramadhan Forum, appealed to the administration to start limiting the operations of daytime restaurants, discotheques, pubs, nightclubs and red-light areas during the Moslem holy month.

"If the municipality doesn't respond, we'll take action in our own way," said one of the protesters, without indicating what kind of action that might be.

Some of the posters carried by the students read: The holy month is coming, curb all immorality; We need the regent to stop immorality during Ramadhan; There is no place for those who want to sully the holy Ramadhan with immorality.

None of the administration officials came out to meet the students.

A source said that Bogor Regent Eddie Yoso Martadipura and some of his staff were attending the inauguration of a school for disabled children by Vice President Try Sutrisno in Keradenan village.

Under the watchful eyes of police, the students then walked to the nearby council building.

Some of the councilors welcomed the students and invited four representatives to talk with them. (24/04)