Even though bars ostensibly have a target market that excludes fasting Muslims, the Jakarta Provincial Government has ordered for them to shut throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
The order came in a decree regulating F&B establishments during Ramadan, signed by Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency acting head Gumilar Ekalaya on April 12.
“Bars that stand alone or are part of restaurants are required to shut,” a passage on the decree reads.
Jakartans have come to expect the closure of bars and nightlife establishments every year during Ramadan, with officials arguing that doing so is necessary to respect and not disturb Muslims from focusing on worship during the holy month.
In fact, the city passed a regional bylaw in 2015 prohibiting night clubs, spas, massage parlors, and bars from opening during the entirety of Ramadan (with the exception of bars that are located inside hotels four stars and above). Violators may face administrative sanctions and the threat of permanent closure.
The decree also regulates new opening hours for F&B establishments with the pandemic in mind. Throughout this year’s Ramadan, restaurants are allowed to serve dine in customers — while enforcing health precautions and limiting capacity to 50 percent — to 10:30pm, later than the previous requirement to close by 9pm.
Furthermore, restaurants may open from 2am to 4:30am to serve suhoor (pre-dawn meal for fasting Muslims).
Related — Religious Affairs Ministry allows iftar get-togethers during Ramadan
