'We are victims of Ramadhan': Nightclub workers, owners say

'We are victims of Ramadhan': Nightclub workers, owners say

Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya

Yulianti, a bartender at a nightclub in Surabaya, had a busy
couple of nights before Ramadhan started on Friday. On Wednesday
night, the club was packed and there was a huge demand for
drinks. Pouring a beer was one thing, but some of the cocktails
were complicated to mix.

She said she earns good money though, more than enough to keep
her family back in Nganjuk -- a rural town in East Java --
clothed and fed.

"I get a meager salary from the club owner, but I get loads of
tips from the guests," she said.

But, Yulianti said in Ramadhan she could find herself out of
work altogether.

Surabaya municipal administration adopted a bylaw last year
that prohibits the operation of nightclubs, brothels, massage
parlors and entertainment venues that are open after dark, during
Ramadhan.

The bylaw was adopted due to public pressure, after community
members denounced "sinful practices" during the holy month.

According to Yulianti, closing night spots altogether was
going a step too far.

She said, as she did not use drugs, nor offered sex for money,
her situation during Ramadhan was unfair, as the rule meant she
would have no income for a month.

Chairman of Surabaya's Recreational and General Entertainment
Entrepreneurs Association George Handiwiyanto, said that the
employer's association would use legal means to fight for the
revision of the bylaw.

Night spots should not be closed all month, but open at
certain times in Ramadhan, he said.

The bylaw's supporters are mostly Muslim groups, including the
Indonesian Mujahiddin Council (MMI), Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia, the
Indonesian Islamic Students Association (PII) and Indonesian
Muslim Action Student Front (KAMMI).

They say the night spots should stay closed out of respect for
Muslims, who refrain from eating, drinking and sex from dawn
until dusk in Ramadhan.

"We will establish anti-immoral command posts so that we can
take immediate action, by reporting the violator to the
authorities," said chairman of Surabaya's Indonesian Mujahiddin
Council (MMI) Zulkarnaen.

However, despite the adoption of the bylaw, people who make a
living working at night entertainment venues, can find other ways
to make money.

Dewi, a sex worker, said she and her colleagues would continue
to work discreetly. During last year's fasting month, for
example, she operated from one of the malls in Surabaya.

She said she just sat in a cafe, while her go-between looked
for clients. After a deal was struck, she and her customer went
to a hotel. "It was safe without any difficulties," she said.