Tangerang clubs close for Ramadhan

All entertainment spots in Tangerang regency must be closed during the fasting month of Ramadhan, following pressure from ulemas and local public figures, regent Agus Djunara said on Wednesday.

"In order to respect Muslims who are observing the fasting ritual, the regency government has ordered the Public Order Agency to close all entertainment spots (during the month)," Agus was quoted by Antara as saying.

He said that the decree to ban those places had been issued and would be distributed to the entertainment spot owners and managers.

"If they dared to open during the fasting month, that would be really obstinate. Maybe they might not be afraid that a mob might burn them down," he said.

Agus said that ulemas and local public figures had requested that all the entertainment spots be closed permanently, but he could not do that because they already had the necessary permits.

Unlike Tangerang, the Jakarta administration has banned certain entertainment centers and reduced the opening hours of others during the fasting month, which starts next Wednesday.--JP