Medan City Government: Night Entertainment Must Close During Ramadan

The Medan City Government, North Sumatra, stated that all nightclubs, such as karaoke and bars, must be closed during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri.

Head of the Medan City Tourism Office, Yuda Pratiwi Setiawan, said that this ban was confirmed in the Medan Mayor's Circular Number 400-8-2-3/1871 dated March 6, 2024.

"The temporary closure of entertainment and recreational businesses will take effect from March 10 to April 10, 2024 in the Medan City area," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, March 6.

According to him, the policy is to respect and at the same time respect Muslims in carrying out the holy month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

The circular also states that restaurant businesses, restaurants, cafes, and food and beverage seller centers do not hold music and sell alcoholic beverages.

Restaurants, restaurants, cafes, food and beverage sales centers are also advised not to display food and drinks openly during the day.

"If restaurant, restaurant, cafe, food and beverage sales centers organize religious music, it is mandatory to reduce volume and pay attention to activities in nearby places of worship," he said.

The circular also requires sub-district heads throughout the city of Medan to carry out public peace and order posts in their respective areas during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.

This circular also stipulates a time limit for business operations in the field of scarcity, including children's play and family recreation parks from 10.00 WIB to 18.00 WIB.

The temporary closure of this entertainment and recreation business, except for the entertainment and recreation implementation business, is a three-star, four- and five-star hotel facility.

"Every day during Ramadan, we will carry out surveillance. We give strict sanctions for business actors who do not comply with the provisions stipulated in this circular," said Yuda.