Sutiyoso issues entertainment decree

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