'Vandalism taints the holy month'

'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