Religious leaders demand nightclubs and restaurants close for Ramadan
Sale of alcohol restricted and nightclubs close early. Muslim cleric Abu Ba'asyir risks death penalty for Bali massacre.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) Muslim leaders from hard-line groups such as the Islam Defender Front (Front Pembela Islam or FPI) have demanded that all nightclubs and gambling houses in Jakarta Kota close. Located in West Jakarta, the area is known for its "red-light activities".
Other Muslim leaders have called on Muslims to observe the rules governing Ramadan and warned public TV broadcasters against airing un-Islamic programmes.
Similarly, in the last few days, thousands of students have demonstrated in different parts of the country demanding nightclubs close down during Ramadan. And FPI activists pledged to "monitor Jakarta's hotspots to make sure that nightclubs, discotheques and bars shut down for the holy month.
Authorities in the capital have issued a ban on alcohol sales for the duration of the holy month. In 2002, they had already issued a decree closing down the city's thousands of massage parlours, freestanding nightclubs, bars and karaoke rooms.
Discotheques in Five-star hotels are also required to reduce their opening hours as are restaurants featuring live bands.
In Aceh, a predominantly Muslim province ruled by Sharia Law, local authorities have order restaurants and bars closed from 5 am till 4 pm. Violators will be punished according to Islamic law.
The trial of cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, leader of the Islamic fundamentalist group Jemaah Islamiah, will also start during Ramadan. He is accused of masterminding attacks in Bali that killed 202 people. He has also been charged with organising the Marriot Hotel attack in Jakarta.
Andi Herman, state prosecutor filed the case against the cleric at the South Jakarta District Court under anti-terror law Number 15 and criminal law Number 187. Both carry the death penalty.
Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, who was arrested right after the Bali bombing and released soon thereafter, rejects the charges and denies any connection to Islamic terrorist groups.
The trial will put newly-elected President Bambang Yudhoyono to the test. During his elections campaign he pledged to come down hard on terrorists.
He is scheduled to be officially sworn in October 20 and replace outgoing President Megawati Sukarnoputri. (MH)
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13/10/2004
