Walkot Surabaya Ensures Night Entertainment Sanctions That Are Open During Ramadan

SURABAYA - The Surabaya City Government (Pemkot) has confirmed that it will impose sanctions on closing business premises to managers of public entertainment recreation areas (RHU) which are still operating during the Ramadan moment.

"There is a statement letter from the Satpol PP, the RHU must obey. If you do not comply with the rules, it will be closed within one month," said Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, March 8.

The rules for stopping RHU operations during Ramadan are contained in Circular (SE) Number 100.3.4./4839/436.8.6/2024 concerning the Implementation of Worship During the Holy Month of Ramadan in 2024

The municipal government detailed several types of RHU that could not operate for a while, including discotheques, nightclubs, adult karaoke, family karaoke, spa, pub or music house, massage parlors.

Not only that, all places of business, such as cafes and restaurants are prohibited from trading in alcoholic beverages.

Meanwhile, billiards can still be open, but its designation is as a sports exercise facility and must have a regional head permit or an official appointed to consider recommendations from the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Surabaya Branch, based on a proposal from the Indonesian Sodok Football Association (POBSI) local Branch.

In addition to RHU, the Surabaya City Government also asked the cinema building manager not to screen films at 17.30 WIB.

All activities in cinemas can resume at 20.00 WIB or after tarawih prayers.

Eri said that the rules for stopping operations were not to limit business activities from RHU managers, but as a form of tolerance between religious communities and maintaining public peace.

"We have given trust to the manager, please respect each other," he said.

Eri stated that the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and the police held patrols to ensure the peace and security of the City of Surabaya during the month of Ramadan, especially to prevent the emergence of "backcase war" events that often appeared before the sahur.

"So we have mobilized each sub-district and sub-district to coordinate with each RW," said Cak Eri, Mayor Eri Cahyadi's nickname.