TEMPO.CO, Malang - Some 900 Muslims rallied on Monday, July 8, demanding the closure of nightclubs and liquor shops. The protesters, members of the Santri and Muslim Society of Malang Raya, bore posters and banners that read "O women, glorify yourselves by covering your awrah (parts of the body that must, according to Islam, be covered from the sight of others)"; "Fight disobedience, reach divination"; "Shut down immoral places"; "Do not stain Ramadan with immorality ".

The protesters said that if the government does not heed their demands, they will forcibly shut down the night clubs, giving a 'deadline' until the fasting month. They said they would "curb" the businesses themselves with the help of the police, the Indonesian Ulema Council and the Forum for Religious Harmony.

The protesters also urged the government to take a firm stand against the rampant sale of liquor at minimarkets, citing that liquor sales are prohibited by the Malang Regulation of No.5/2006. "In practice, many supermarkets sell liquor; this is a clear violation of local regulations," said Muhammad Ghozali, the rally coordinator.

Speaking on behalf of the Malang Government, Ade Herawanto said that the government accepts the denizens' aspiration. As for liquor sales, the spokesman said that it would be adjusted to the mechanism and rules that apply.

"During the fasting month, entertainment venues will be closed in compliance with the mayor's regulation," he said.

EKO WIDIANTO