NU youth wing to raid Malang brothels, recreational facilities

Malang, NU Online
The local chapter of Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) Ansor youth wing have sent out a warning urging recreational centers, massage parlors and the red-light district to close their businesses for Ramadhan.

"Ramadhan is a holy month. It is better for them to close shop. If they refuse, they should expect us and our affiliate, the Banser, to pay them a visit," Malang regency Ansor chairman Nur Chomari, said as quoted by "Tempo Interaktif".<>

Chomari also regretted the Malang regent's bylaw, which had only ordered the joints to close down for two hours.

"We ask that those locations be permanently closed. After all, who can guarantee that they will abide by the law?" he said.

The same concerns were also shared by local Nahdlatul Ulama chapter chairman Abdul Mujib Syadzili.

Mujib has asked the government to close down 11 brothels.

"The authority have already acknowledged their illegal presence,but for some reason they are still allowed to operate. In other words, it is as if the regency endorses prostitution," Mujib said.

According to Mujib, the organization is seeking to gather the support of all Muslim community organizations in seeking the closure of brothels and recreational facilities during Ramadhan.

Nahdlatul Ulama is Indonesia's largest Muslim organization. The organization has long advocated religious moderation and communal harmony. (jp/dar)