'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.