Theresia Sufa and Adisti Sukma Sawitri, Bogor/Jakarta – A mob went on the rampage on the western outskirts of Bogor early Sunday, attacking cafes, brothels, small hotels and other businesses they felt were "violating the sanctity of Ramadhan".
The mob gathered in the area of Parung late Saturday and marched to the Bojong area, brandishing sticks and attacking hotels, cafes and other buildings along the way they suspected of being used by prostitutes and their customers.
There were no reports of injuries in the attacks, but several places including Bale Bale cafe and the Transit Hotel suffered extensive damage. Members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and Islam Defenders Force (LPI) took part in the attacks.
Bogor cleric Ayip, who participated in the attacks, justified the violence by saying the targeted businesses had ignored orders to close for the fasting month.
"They know that they are supposed to shut down their businesses this month. I would participate in another raid to tear down their places if they are still open after this," he said.
Bogor Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Arief Ontowiryo said officers would not allow any further attacks on private property. "I will be tough on citizens who damage private property. These people are clearly violating the law," he said. Arief said his officers were investigating and had yet to name any suspects in the attacks.
National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Sisno Adiwinoto said all citizens, the police and the Home Ministry should consider all violent attacks and the radical organizations responsible for them as a common enemy.
"The police, as an institution, keeps public order and safety. But people can't leave everything to us in these cases, as we can't do anything to the perpetrators until they do something. Unfortunately, they do this whenever there are no police officers around," he said.
He urged victims to file police reports, saying this was the only way to catch those responsible.
Sisno also suggested the Home Ministry review the organizational permits of radical groups responsible for these and similar attacks. "I think the ministry should ban these groups to avoid these kinds of incidents," Sisno said.
Although there are no national laws banning nightspots from operating during Ramadhan, most regions place some kind of limits on their activities. The Jakarta administration, for example, has banned six types of businesses from operating during Ramadhan. These include massage parlors, nightclubs, discotheques and saunas.