Jakarta – Regional authorities have warned people against carrying out vigilante street raids as the Islamic fasting month approaches.

The Yogyakarta administration has banned the sale of alcohol during the period and encouraged the public to report any violations to the authorities.

"We will act [against the violators]. People do not need to take action themselves, as this could possibly be a contravention of public order," Yogyakarta Mayor Herry Zudianto said Friday at an event to destroy thousands of bottles of alcoholic beverages.

"The destruction of the alcoholic drinks sends a message that we will be tough against those creating disorder, so that people can fast in comfort and security," he said.

Authorities destroyed drinks seized from 31 unlicensed vendors. "We have been conducted raids for the past three months," Yogyakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Mustaqim said.

Police also had the vendors sign a declaration vowing to no longer sell alcohol. "If they are found to be selling alcohol, they will go to jail," Mustaqim was quoted as saying by Antara news agency.

Red light districts are also being targeted by authorities.

Police in Gunung Kidul in Yogyakarta and in Klaten, Central Java, also warned mass organizations against carrying out vigilante acts. "Raids by mass organizations could trigger potential conflict," Adj. Sr. Comr. Asep Nalaludin said Saturday in Wonosari, Gunung Kidul.

Last year, 250 members of the hard-line Islam Defenders Front (FPI) reportedly raided several hotels and entertainment centers in Medan, North Sumatra.

Klaten Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Kalingga Rendra Raharja said police were prepared for such illegal raids and the chaos they would create. Ramadhan is likely to begin on Monday. Non-mainstream Muslims may observe Ramadhan a few days earlier, although there have been no reports of this so far.

The religious affairs agency in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, a predominantly Catholic province, called on Muslims to wait for the official announcement of the start of the holy month. "All Muslims are advised to wait for the government announcement," agency official Muhammad Moa said.

Demand for basic goods usually increases during the fasting month, as is occurring in Bengkulu. "Most residents enough basic good for the following week. This has led to a 20 percent increase in demand," Asril, a seller at Bengkulu's Panorama Market, said.

[Slamet Susanto contributed to the report from Yogyakarta.]