Sutiyoso yet to sign Ramadhan alcohol ban

Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Governor Sutiyoso said he had to wait for a joint decree of five ministers before signing the gubernatorial decree that bans the sale of alcoholic drinks and orders the closure of several entertainment spots, including massage parlors and nightclubs, during the fasting month of Ramadhan.

"It hasn't been signed yet because, as the head of the Jakarta administration, I have to wait for instructions from my superior (Home Affairs Minister). Five ministers will issue a joint decree to regulate the entertainment centers and night spots during Ramadhan," Sutiyoso said.

Sutiyoso reasoned that, if the city issued the decree, its implementation would overlap with the decree expected from the central government.

Last week Sutiyoso said that entertainment spots would be allowed to open their doors from 8:30 p.m. (after the night Ramadhan prayer) until 1 a.m. (before the pre-dawn meal) during the fasting month.

But the venues would not be allowed to operate at all on the first and second days of Idul Fitri, and at the 17th day of Ramadhan, which is considered to be the revelation day of the holy Koran.

After meeting with City Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb, Jakarta Military commander Maj. Gen. Bibit Waluyo and the leaders of a number of Muslim organizations last Tuesday, Sutiyoso told reporters that he would sign the decree within days.

According to Sutiyoso, five ministers were currently working on a joint decree on the operations of night spots and other entertainment centers. He said the decree would be issued soon and would be imposed nationwide.

"I am still waiting for the decree because the Jakarta administration has to coordinate with the Home Affairs Ministry. The ministry and other ministries concerned are working on the regulation," Sutiyoso claimed.

The fasting month of Ramadhan is expected to start on Friday.

Long before the administration announced plans on the entertainment spots, Muslim hardliner groups had threatened to raid venues if they continued operating during the holy fasting month.

When asked to comment on whether there would be time to "socialize" the bans among people involved in the night spot industry, Sutiyoso said, "I am sure there will be no problems at all. That's just a technical issue."