Tangerang Regency Bans Daytime Restaurant Operations During Ramadan; PKB Urges Tolerance
The Tangerang Regency government has prohibited food establishments from operating outside the hours of 4pm to 4am Western Indonesian Time (WIB) during the month of Ramadan. The National Awakening Party (PKB) has expressed respect for the decision, which was reached through deliberation, whilst also calling for tolerance.
“We respect the Tangerang Regency Government’s policy because it was reached through deliberation aimed at preserving the sanctity of worship during Ramadan,” PKB Central Executive Board Chairman Daniel Johan told reporters on Friday (20 February 2026).
“Every region naturally has its own authority and local wisdom in regulating public order during religious occasions. This is part of maintaining the solemnity of worship for our Muslim brethren,” he added.
On the other hand, Daniel said it was important for regional leaders to consider other members of the community who are non-Muslim or unable to fast. He expressed regret that this had not been taken into account.
“Nevertheless, the aspirations and input regarding the importance of the principles of tolerance and inclusivity also need to be considered. Our society is highly diverse, comprising non-Muslim residents as well as Muslims who, due to certain conditions, do not observe the fast,” he said.
“Such as the sick, pregnant women, or the elderly, who still require access to food services and daytime economic activity — this needs to be regulated so they can have access. Therefore, the policy needs to be implemented in a balanced manner,” he added.
Furthermore, Daniel expressed hope for dialogue between the regency government, religious leaders, and business operators regarding the regulation, so as not to disrupt the community’s economic circulation.
“We encourage good communication and dialogue between the regional government, business operators, religious leaders, and community figures, so that the objective of maintaining the Ramadan atmosphere can be achieved without neglecting residents’ needs and the sustainability of the community’s economy,” he said.
“The principle of mutual respect and togetherness must be the primary spirit in every public policy. In many places that require eateries to close, using curtains may be a wise way to show respect for our brethren who are fasting,” he added.
Previously, the Tangerang Regency government had established a policy restricting the operating hours of nightlife entertainment venues, restaurants, and cafés during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah. The policy is said to have been routinely implemented in prior years.
The regulation on restricted operating hours was issued through a regional government circular letter agreed upon by the entire leadership of the Tangerang Regency Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda). Under the rules, restaurants and eateries are permitted to open from 4pm to 4am WIB.
“For restaurants and eateries, we have determined they may open from 4pm WIB until 4am. Outside those hours, they are prohibited from operating,” said Tangerang Regent Moch Maesyal Rasyid after conducting a coordination meeting with Forkopimda on Thursday (19 February 2026).