West Bandung Preserves Ramadan's Sanctity by Banning Alcohol Sales and Closing Massage Parlours and Karaoke

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WEST BANDUNG – The West Bandung Regency Government has issued regulations for tourism businesses during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri. These regulations are outlined in a circular letter (SE) signed by the Regent of West Bandung, Jeje Ritchie Ismail. The circular letter, numbered 552 of 2026, outlines various regulations that tourism businesses in West Bandung must comply with regarding the implementation of tourism businesses during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in 1447 Hijri/2026 AD in West Bandung Regency. “Firstly, it is important not to disturb the devotion of Muslims who are fasting during Ramadan,” said the Head of the Tourism and Culture Office of West Bandung Regency, Asep Dendih, when confirmed on Tuesday (24/2/2026). In the circular letter, the West Bandung Regency Government prohibits tourism businesses from holding parties, performances, and attractions that lead to pornography or indecent acts, and from providing alcoholic beverages. Asep Dendih also emphasised the prohibition for hotels to operate gambling games, massage parlours, and karaoke during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri. “Therefore, the management of hotels that have gambling games, massage parlours, and karaoke should close their businesses during Ramadan until two days after Eid al-Fitr,” he said. The West Bandung Regency Government also requests that tourism businesses ensure the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Occupational Safety and Health (K3) standards, and tourism business standards, and conduct mitigation of natural and non-natural disasters for their businesses, and coordinate with relevant parties to provide security, safety, and comfort for employees and visitors. “They should also provide clear information regarding operating hours, special rules, and activities that will take place during the Ramadan 1447 period, both physically on information boards at the location and digitally, especially for food and beverage businesses that are open during the day, so that they do not operate openly or use curtains,” added Asep Dendih. He also reminded tourists and all related parties, especially users of transportation services, to always use modes of transportation that meet the standards of suitability and safety procedures from the authorised agency in an effort to prevent transportation accidents. Asep Dendih requested that all tourism business actors comply with the regulations outlined in the circular letter. He stated that sanctions have been prepared if there are violations. “We have sent it to tourism businesses. If there are violations, there will be consequences, there will be punishment. We will certainly carry out supervision,” said Asep Dendih.