'Why closures only in Ramadhan?'

The fasting month of Ramadhan will be observed by Muslims around the world beginning in early November. During the fasting month, the city administration has decided to close down or reduce the opening hours of nightspots, particularly those normally associated with "vice". The administration has said the decision was made out of "respect for the holy month". Residents gave The Jakarta Post their opinions on the issue.

Niko, 30, an architect-cum-singer who lives in Blok S, South Jakarta:

I don't think the city administration has the right to order such a closure or limitation in operating hours because it negatively affects so many workers at these places.

There are thousands of waiters and cashiers and other workers who earn a living at nightspots. Don't they also have the right to make a living?

Besides, dictating the moral behavior of people who frequent nightspots does not fall within the jurisdiction of the city administration. That is up to the individuals.

Yes, the majority of the population here are Muslims, who deserve respect while observing the holy month.

But at the same time, Muslims must also respect those who are not observing the fasting month.

Candra, 31, an interior designer who also sings three times a week at a well-known hotel lounge:

I think the closures and limitations on operating hours are fine. It will not affect me because I am just an entertainer, not the owner of a nightspot. Besides, I only sing at respected and well-known cafes or in hotel lounges.

My contract will be honored even if the limited opening hours are enforced. Even with the shorter operating hours, I can take the stage several hours earlier to meet the deadline.

But the question is, why are there these limitation during the fasting month only and not all year long? The sins being committed will not be stopped.

Mona, 29, an entrepreneur who lives and works in Pondok Pinang, South Jakarta:

I think that as long as the partiers do not harm other people, they should be allowed to do whatever they like.

But since the city administration has decided to close down nightspots during the fasting month, we must obey the order.

I usually visit a cafe or two during my free time but I don't think I will visit any cafes during the fasting month.

Reza, 27, a producer who lives in Kedoya, West Jakarta:

The city administration should pay attention to the workers who earn their living at nightspots.

It would be better if the administration just reduced the opening hours instead of closing (nightspots) for the whole month.

The workers' income would still be cut, but I think such a compromise would work for all related parties.

As for myself, I often take prospective clients to well-known cafes to smooth out our business deals. Most of the time I clinch my contracts during such informal meetings rather than formal ones.

Closing down "notorious" establishments during the fasting month will not solve any moral problems. And besides matters of morality are personal, and people can simply find other places to do what they are going to do.

Ima, 26, the manger of a batik gallery in Bintaro, South Jakarta:

Closing and cutting the opening hours of nightspots is fine with me. We must reduce such activities during the holy month.

But the owners and employers must take care of their employees during the fasting month, because the employees still have to support themselves.

The order to close and limit nightspots has become routine for the city administration every year. So there is no reason for the owners to neglect their employees, because they have had 11 months to make up for the losses during the fasting month.