Nightclubs banned during Ramadan

Palembang municipal administration has issued a circular that orders closure of nightclubs between two days before and three days after the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.

Violation of the policy carries a maximum penalty of three months in jail or Rp 50 million in fine, Deputy Mayor Romi Herton told tempointeraktif.com on Tuesday.

The closure affects amusement centers, bars, discotheques, cafes, massage parlors and night music performances. Food stalls, restaurants and coffee shops are allowed to operate during the day, but must be hidden from public view with curtains.

Roni said public order officers, local police and military would conduct a regular operation to uphold the regulation, which was issued to protect the sanctity of the fasting month in the South Sumatra capital city.

Ramadan is expected to start on Aug. 22.