Issues of the day: Police ban private raids during Ramadhan

Paper Edition | Page: 8

July 17, p. 1

The Jakarta Police said on Monday that they would forbid mass organizations from conducting raids on the city’s nightlife and entertainment venues during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, as the organizations have no right to do so.

“Only the police have the right to raid nightclubs that remain open during Ramadhan. No mass organization has such rights,” police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto told reporters.

The city’s culture and tourism agency said earlier this month that it would ban nightlife and entertainment venues from operating during Ramadhan, starting from the eve of the fasting month until one day after Idul Fitri.

Such banned spots include nightclubs, spas, saunas, massage parlors, arcade game centers and bars (either stand-alone bars or those located within other establishments).

In recent years, Greater Jakarta has seen numerous instances of mass organizations holding raids on nightlife venues throughout the area.

Your comments:

If I understand the Jakarta Police’s statement correctly, then outside of Ramadhan, private raids on city’s nightlife and entertainment venues are allowed?

Tami

Their intentions are very good actually; it’s just in the way they make decisions and take action, which is not reasonable.

They should discuss with other parties in order to find a good solution in dealing with such things because Islam has never taught that anarchic actions should be adopted to deal with such problems.

Raemon

I strongly agree with the Indonesian police who dare to act decisively to keep organizations in order.

But I expect the police to crack down on entertainment venues that violate the regulation during the month of Ramadhan.

I also expect the public not to be provoked by the actions of mass organizations or the police because they are doing it for a good reason.

Soffan Ma’ruf

Somehow, I agree with the police.

Taguh Hadi

A warning by the police does not mean anything for the radical groups because they know that they are needed by the authorities.

Widya Utama

Mass organizations are not entitled to act in a way that could harm members of the public. This should be decided in courts or by the authorities because our country is based on law. And the police must act decisively.

Piluk