With Ramadan starting next month, concerns that the capital’s self-appointed moral police ormas (mass organizations), such as the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) will once again carry out illegal raids of restaurants and nightlife venues that they judge to be disrespecting the Holy Month.
The police have already assured the public that such illegal sweepiing (as it is often referred to here) by ormas groups will not be tolerated. But naturally, many people are skeptical about that considering how much trouble they have allowed FPI and similar groups to get away with in the past.
But this year may be different. Not only do we have a police chief who respects religious tolerance and the rights of those who choose to drink alcohol, we also have the assurance of Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, who says that anybody who engages in illegal sweeps will be spending time inside a jail cell.
Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama said that he will hand over security of holy month of Ramadan to the police. Including public security organizations (CBOs) that is sweeping all night entertainment venues.
“The police chief has already guaranteed it. If they (ormas) do any raids, they will be arrested. All of them arrested. The chief of police has already affirmed it. So there will be no raids. That is the task of the police,” Ahok said in City Hall today as quoted by Berita Jakarta.
Ahok also said that the capital’s Office of Culture and Tourism had sent a circular out to entertainment and nightlife venues clearly defining when they are allowed to operate during Ramadan. The rules require that most close at midnight and Ahok said those who do not abide by those rules would be punished appropriately.
Despite the governor’s strong words, he will need the full cooperation of the police to make sure that extremists don’t disrupt Ramadan with their intolerant behavior. Let’s hope he gets it.
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