Jakarta – The hard line group Islam Defenders Front (FPI) promised not to conduct any raids during the Ramadan fasting month and let police carry out the task, secretary general Sobri Lubis said on Monday.

FPI's commitment was made after National Police Chief Gen. Timur Pradopo banned mass organizations from conducting any raids during the Islamic fasting month, set to begin Friday.

Police would give sanction to any group who breach the order, Pradopo said on Sunday, as quoted by tribunnews.com. Lubis lauded the ban. "We have no problem with that. It is police job to uphold the law. I supported that," he told The Jakarta Post.

Muslims are withstanding from drinking, eating and having sexual relations from before sunrise until sunset.

Prior to the ban, several FPI chapters had performed raids over the weekend. On Saturday, hundreds of FPI members raided entertainment establishments, spas and salons in Medan, North Sumatra, which were indicated as places for people to engage in vice activities.

The next day, the FPI ransacked an alcoholic drink factory in Makassar, South Sulawesi. While in Depok, West Java, they confiscated liquor from several stores and kiosks during its Ramadan rally, and threatened to close down the stores if they still operate during Ramadan.

"Our chapters independently decide their actions. The [previous] raids were aimed to remind local governments to close night spots [such as club, bar and karaoke] on the month, as stipulated by local regulations," Lubis said.

"We hope that Muslims will not be disturbed by any maksiat [immorally oriented] matters during Ramadan." (yps)