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Police crack down on sarong fights during Ramadan
In recent years, teenagers have started modifying their sarongs to make them more dangerous, such as by filling them with rocks and metal scraps to use during brawls, leading to injuries and fatalities.
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A man helps his son put on a sarong prior to performing prayers at Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta in this file photo. (The Jakarta Post/PJ Leo)
T
he National Police are stepping up efforts to crack down on sarong fights in various regions during Ramadan, as what was once a harmless childhood game and common pastime during the fasting month has escalated into violent brawls in recent years.
Boyolali Police in Central Java arrested 27 teenagers in the early hours of Sunday for allegedly planning to incite a sarong fight.
Boyolali Police chief Sr. Adj. Comr. Rosyid Hartanto stated that around half of the teenagers were found carrying modified sarongs.
"They tied knots at one end of their sarongs and filled the bundles with rocks, intending to use them like flails. They were also carrying two bottles of alcohol," Rosyid said on Sunday, as quoted by kompas.com.
Rosyid added that, since most of those arrested were minors, the police decided not to detain them. They were released after questioning and signing a statement promising not to repeat their actions.
"We will continue to increase our patrols to ensure the safety of the community, maintain order and uphold the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan," Rosyid added.
On the same day, Mataram Police in Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) arrested 22 teenagers, mostly junior and senior high school students, who were allegedly attempting to participate in a sarong fight in Selaparang district.
