Asip Hasani, Blitar, East Java – The administration of Blitar in East Java has instructed mosques in the city not to broadcast tadarus (Quran recitals) over loud speakers after 10 p.m. during the fasting month of Ramadan.
The ban was stipulated in a city administration circular according to acting head of the Blitar Public Order Officer Unit (Satpol PP) Juari.
"After that hour tadarus can still be conducted but not broadcast over loud speakers," Juari said, Monday, adding that the circular had been sent to takmir (mosque managements) across the city.
The circular, Juari said, had received a warm welcome from a wide cross-section of the community, including the takmir.
He said people needed to rest as most of them were fasting. "So the middle ground is limiting the time for using loud speakers," he said without elaborating on what would be the sanctions against violators.
During the fasting month, the Blitar city has also banned live music performances and the sale of liquor in cafes, hotels and other entertainment spots. The circular on this had as well been distributed to the businesses concerned as well as to neighborhood units (RT), community units (RW), subdistrict and district administrations.
"Satpol PP will take stern action against cafes selling alcoholic drinks," said Juari, adding that routine patrols would be held to monitor the city during Ramadan.