Around 370 operators and employees of entertainment centers in Bekasi, east of Jakarta, have demanded that the local authorities pay them a Ramadan allowance following the closure of their work places.

They made the demand in reaction to the forced closure of their businesses and workplaces during the current Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.

"We have no other work besides our jobs at our present work places. If they are closed, it means we cannot work and will have no income for Lebaran [Idul Fitri, the holiday celebration held to mark the end of fasting]," said Sadikun, 34, an employee of a cafe in the Lippo Cikarang Industrial Zone.

The demonstration took place in front of the Bekasi district administration building at around 10 a.m. The atmosphere grew tense, with demonstrators carrying placards demanding the district head greet them personally.

The demonstrators, consisting of employees and operators of karaoke bars, discotheques and cafes in eight sectors of the industrial zone, became involved in an argument with Public Order Agency officers, who refused to let them enter the building.

"We are fed up. Every year we are forced to close our workplaces for a month. How are we to make the money we need to observe Lebaran with our families? I lose Rp 5 million [$500] to Rp 10 million each day my business is closed," said Dody, a karaoke lounge operator.

Messages on the demonstrators' placards included "District Head, Do Not Slowly Kill Us," and "We Are Also Your People."

The demonstration lasted for an hour but no meeting with the district head took place. The demonstrators could only submit their demands through Public Order Agency head Edward. "Unless our demands are met we will come again seven days before Lebaran to demand [our allowances]," Dodi said.

Edward, meanwhile, said he could not comment as the closure was the decision of the district head. "But I will certainly convey their demands to my superior," he said.