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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Islamic groups protest Bekasi bylaw revision, fearing nightlife legalization

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Islamic community groups in Bekasi, Indonesia, protested the proposed revision of a tourism bylaw.
  • They oppose removing a clause that prohibits nightlife venues, fearing it will legalize establishments associated with vice.
  • The groups vow to coordinate with religious leaders to prevent the bylaw's amendment.

Islamic community groups in Bekasi, Indonesia, have taken to the streets to protest a proposed revision to the regional bylaw on tourism. The Forum Ukhuwah Islamiah (Fukhis) of Bekasi Regency argues that amending Bylaw No. 3 of 2016 will create loopholes for the operation of nightclubs and other entertainment venues.

We firmly reject the removal of Article 47, Paragraph (1) of the bylaw currently in effect. Sanctions should be strengthened, not weakened. Provide commensurate sanctions according to the law.

— Burhanudin AbdullahThe coordinator of the action stated the groups' firm rejection of the proposed bylaw changes.

During a demonstration in Cikarang, protesters carried banners and chanted slogans like "Reject the Revision, Disband the Special Committee." Burhanudin Abdullah, the action coordinator, stated that the groups firmly reject the removal of Article 47, Paragraph (1) of the current bylaw. He argued that penalties for violations should be strengthened, not weakened, and should align with national laws.

Abdullah emphasized that religious leaders and the Muslim community in Bekasi do not want establishments considered "sites of vice," even if the draft revision includes zoning or spatial planning regulations. "The Muslim community of Bekasi will never back down," he declared, adding that they would coordinate with all religious leaders in the regency to determine their next steps.

We do not want places of vice, even if they are zoned or regulated in other ways. The Muslim community of Bekasi will never back down.

— Burhanudin AbdullahThe action coordinator explained the community's stance against entertainment venues associated with sin.

The protest was a direct response to a letter from the Acting Regent of Bekasi, dated June 5, 2026, seeking approval from the Bekasi Regional People's Representative Council to discuss the revision of the tourism bylaw. The request was presented during a plenary meeting on July 2, 2026.

We will also coordinate with all religious leaders in Bekasi Regency to determine the next steps.

— Burhanudin AbdullahThe action coordinator outlined future plans for community mobilization.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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