Operating hours for the month of Ramadan should be clarified for entertainments spots in the Riau Islands by the Batam municipality and city council, the office of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has said.

Riau Islands MUI head Azhari Abbas told The Jakarta Post on Monday lack of clarity has made the issue a prevailing one in the province's six regencies and mayoralties, overwhelming the MUI office with questions every Ramadan. By contrast, other provincial administrations are firm on their decision to close nightspots for the whole month of Ramadan, he added.

"The issue is always under discussion before the month of Ramadan. We have asked the Batam mayor to close such establishments for the entire month, especially those engaging in immoral activities," said Azhari.

The MUI office has urged the mayor and municipal councilors to issue a permanent ordinance on operating hours for entertainment spots during Ramahan, to prevent annual discussions that cause public controversy and to provide certainty among nightspot operators, he added.

"We are aware and understand that workers employed in the entertainment business would go without pay, but that's not a reason to do anything we like. We remain firm in our position that all nightspots remain closed during the entire month of Ramadan. Workers are the responsibility of their employers," Azhari said.

Batam Mayor Ahmad Dahlan said he would soon sit down and discuss the issue with the MUI and nightspot operators in Batam, adding the municipality's views on a permanent ruling were similar to that of the MUI.

"We will discuss the issue with the MUI and the owners of such establishments. On principle, we should set the operating hours, but it would be impossible for them to close their businesses for the whole month," Ahmad said.

Ramadan falls in early September this year. The Batam municipality requires operators to close during the first and final week of Ramadan every year, a policy deemed disadvantageous to operators and workers in the entertainment industry.

Batam municipal council speaker Soeryo Respationo said the guidelines on nightspot operating hours during Ramadan were usually stipulated in a municipal decree. A permanent ruling, as requested by MUI, should be arranged through a local ordinance, he explained, adding this might be a problem as no article stipulated by the city administration existed to require the closure of nightspots during Ramadan.

"They won't be able to close for a whole month. How would workers make a living? Ninety percent of workers in such establishments are Muslim. They, too, need money so they can celebrate Idul Fitri and perform their religious duties during Ramadhan. This is a very sensitive issue because it involves the interests of different parties," said Soeryo.

The issue will be discussed two weeks before Ramadan, at which time the municipality will decide, he added.

Chairman of the Barelang Entertainment and Services Association (Ajahib) Gembira Ginting said his group had asked the relevant authorities not to interfere in the daily operation of the entertainment industry during Ramadan. Members of the industry would never undermine the meaning of the holy month, Ajahib added.

"Before issuing an ordinance, we appeal to the mayor and related parties to think about the fate of workers whose livelihoods depend on their workplaces. If these establishments are closed for an entire month, how can workers celebrate the holiday?" Gembira said.

According to Ajahib, there are 81 entertainment establishments operating in Batam, consisting of pubs, discotheques and karaoke parlors employing at least 1,500 workers.

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