Bekasi Police in West Java have banned “sahur [predawn meal] on the road” convoys and group activities due to security concerns during the fasting month.

"We highly recommend that you do not conduct sahur on the road. Just don't. If it is aimed at waking up people, there are many other ways [to do it]," Bekasi Police chief Sr. Comr. Indarto said on Thursday as quoted by kompas.com.

Indarto argued that based on past incidents, these activities often lead to brawls and other disturbances in which teenagers throw fireworks at each other.

"There is a potential for conflict, so it would be best not to conduct sahur on the road and just have your sahur at home," he said, adding that activities to wake up residents for sahur at kampungs were still allowed.

Thursday marked the first day of Muslims fasting for Ramadhan. (fac)