'Vandalism taints the holy month'
A Jakarta administration regulation allows entertainment venues and nightspots to remain open until a certain time during Ramadhan, but stipulates that they close during the first two days and 17th day of the fasting month. However, over the last two weeks, the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) has raided entertainment centers despite their abiding by regulations, while the police have not taken any decisive action against the militant group. The Jakarta Post asked some residents about their views on the issue.
Suryadi, 40, works for a private firm on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. He lives in Bintaro Jaya, South Jakarta:
Well, it is difficult to say who is right and who is wrong because I don't really know what happened. I only know what they say on television and newspapers.
If the group really did do what was reported in the media, the police should take action. They must arrest those who are responsible for such violence. Otherwise, other groups may do the same thing.
Frankly, I myself think that all nightspots should be closed during Ramadhan. They earn enough money from their operations during the other months of the year. I think the owners can still pay their employees even if they are closed for the month.
Still, vandalism is unacceptable.
Nurshinta, 34, works at a private bank and lives with her husband in Bogor:
It's not that I defend the operators of nightspots, since I'm not a regular customer, but I believe they thought about the possibility of losing business if they violated regulations.
That's why I don't believe that the places attacked by the FPI was open beyond the permitted hours. It must be something else that made them a target.
In my opinion, if such groups believe that entertainment centers and restaurants will only taint the fasting month, they should forbid their members and families to visit those places instead of destroying them.
Don't they realize that running amok during Ramadhan only lessens the sacredness of the holy month?
-- The Jakarta Post