Hundreds Of Nightlife Places In West Jakarta Banned From Operation: Apart From Respecting Ramadan, PPKM Level 2 Is Still

Illustration of a Satpol PP officer sealing a nightclub that violates the operating hours regulations in West Jakarta/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Data from the Central Statistics Agency for the City of West Jakarta in 2020 states, the number of bars in the West Jakarta area is 64 locations, 12 discotheque locations, 42 karaoke locations, and 20 locations live music. Of the many entertainment venues, until the time when the City Government (Pemkot) of West Jakarta (Jakbar) still forbade them to operate.

"Not only because they are in the holy month, but the two types of entertainment venues also are not allowed to operate during PPKM level two," said West Jakarta Tourism, Economic and Creative (Parekraf) Sub-Department Supervisory Section Head, Budi Suryawan, quoting Antara, Tuesday, April 5th.

Budi confirmed that his party together with the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) would work together to carry out monitoring in the field, especially during this Ramadan.

He asserted, if found some bars that are still operating, it will give a warning until the temporary closure of the place.

In addition, his party also ensures that they have and are monitoring other night entertainment venues during this Ramadan.

"We will increase the monitoring of some of these places of business so that they do not operate during Ramadan," he said.

Budi confirmed that the bar is prohibited from operating during Ramadan because it sells alcoholic beverages.

However, if the location of the bar is integrated with family karaoke or a restaurant, it will still prohibit the bar from operating.

"What we ban is the bar. If the bar is integrated with family karaoke and a restaurant, we are asking for the bar to be closed," said Budi.

In addition to bars, his party also prohibits nightlife venues such as cafes or discotheques from opening during Ramadan.

This is in accordance with the Circular Letter of the Head of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Tourism Office Number: e-0001/SE/2022 concerning the Time of Organizing Tourism Businesses in the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr in 1443 H/2022 AD.