Seribu Islands Boosts Ramadan Business Oversight

The Seribu Islands Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) is ramping up its oversight of local business establishments during Ramadan.

Field monitoring results have yet to flag any violations

It is honing in on eateries and grocery stores across two sub-districts as part of an effort to uphold public order and ensure that business owners toe the line regarding prevailing regulations. 

Seribu Islands Satpol PP Head, Atok Bahroni Hidayat said, the operation involved 150 joint personnel. They were from the urban village and sub-district levels, army (TNI) and police, Community Consultative Body (LMK), and local volunteers.

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"This aims to foster a sense of order and provide peace of mind for the community as they observe the holy month," he expressed, Thursday (3/5).

He explained that this operation zeros in on the regulation of operating hours for eateries. During Ramadan, food establishments are permitted to stay open until 5 PM, provided they are screened from public view with curtains. Meanwhile, pre-dawn meal services, or suhoor, are authorized to commence at 2 AM.

Thus far, the situation on the ground remains clear of any infractions. Businesses have been toeing the line, operating as take-away only hubs while putting the brakes on dine-in services during daylight hours.

"Field monitoring results have yet to flag any violations. Eateries operating during the day are strictly limited to take-out orders and are not accommodating dine-in patrons," he explained.

According to him, the operation also casts a wider net, targeting local grocery stores that supply daily essentials. It is designed to weed out expired products and crack down on the illicit distribution of alcoholic beverages.

He furthered officials in each sub-district have been vetting five to eight shops per area to ensure they are playing by the rules established during the initial socialization phase.

"The sale of liquor and expired goods is non-existent. All business owners are sticking to the script and complying with the standing regulations," he continued.

Atok explained that the operation is rooted in upholding Bylaw No. 8/2007 on Public Order. However, the agency is steering away from a purely punitive approach, instead placing a premium on education to ensure business owners are well-versed in the importance of compliance throughout Ramadan.

He hoped that the synergy between authorities and the public will remain rock-solid, keeping the Ramadan atmosphere in Seribu Islands secure, orderly, and inclusive.

"We urge all business owners to stay the course in following the regulations as a mark of deference to those observing the holy month," he added.

The operation received appreciation from Untung Jawa Island Urban Village Head, Muslim.

"Thankfully, public awareness has reached new heights during this holy month. Everyone is toeing the line, and we haven't seen a single infraction. This goes to show that the residents are doing their part to foster a sense of harmony," he added.

He hoped that these oversight efforts will stay the course to ensure that peace and public order on Untung Jawa Island remain intact.

"Ramadan is a season of bountiful blessings. Let us uphold decorum, practice mutual respect, and tighten the bonds of brotherhood to ensure a safe and tranquil neighborhood," he concluded.