Sutiyoso issues entertainment decree

JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso has issued a decree banning certain entertainment centers from operating during the fasting month of Ramadhan.

The decree, dated Tuesday, bans discotheques, massage parlors, pinball games and saunas from operating during the fasting month.

However, all entertainment centers at star-rated hotels are exempt from closing, according to the gubernatorial decree.

The decree allows other entertainment centers, such as karaoke bars and live music venues, to operate between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. during Ramadhan.

The decrees was issued following vandalizes to several entertainment centers in Jakarta that was conducted by the Islam Defenders Front, a Muslim radical group, which has been notorious for conducting violences and vandalizes to entertainment centers, particularly during the fasting month of Ramadhan.

There are 2,887 entertainment centers in the city. These include 251 cinemas, 200 billiard halls, 1,228 bars and restaurants, 144 discotheques, 193 hotels, 12 nightclubs, 35 cafes, 11 saunas, 263 karaoke bars, 221 massage parlors, 20 barber shops and 20 amusement centers.--JP