|
Millennium parties hushed in world's largest Muslim nation JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Local authorities have closed nightspots and set strict limits on New Year's festivities, fearing a possible backlash from Muslims offended by revelry during the holy month of Ramadan.
On Wednesday, a senior official of the Indonesian Ulema Council, one of the country's most important religious bodies, urged a time of reflection.
``We of course hope that despite joyously welcoming the new millennium, people will respect the holy fasting month,'' said Hassanudin, who like many Indonesians uses only one name.
About 90 percent of Indonesia's 210 million people are Muslims, making it the world's most populous Muslim nation. There are sizable Christian, Buddhist and Hindu minorities.
The year 2000 holds no special significance in Islam, since Muslims counts lunar years from the day the Prophet Muhammed fled from Mecca to Medina - making this the year 1420.
In Jakarta, authorities marked the start of Ramadan on Dec. 9 by closing down brothels and ordering discos and nightclubs to remain shut for a full month.
Jakarta's Deputy Governor Abdul Kahfi this week said local authorities would guarantee the security of celebrations at hotels, restaurants and cinemas only if organizers obtain permits and adhere to strict conditions.
The events must be focused on ``thanking God and on self-introspection'' and have to provide for any special needs of Muslim revelers, Kahfi said, adding that all festivities must feature Indonesian culture and motivate participants to work hard and ``unite as a nation.''
Owners of the Tenda Semanaggi, a large food court in downtown Jakarta, plan to bring in a traditional shaman to bless their celebrations.
``The focus of the event will be on our culture, with a strong Islamic influence,'' said manager Eppi Soeriawidjaja.
In nearby Bogor, a popular hillside resort, authorities decided to bar all festivities. Even private parties are discouraged.
Indonesia's constitution guarantees religious freedoms for all its citizens, but minorities have been targeted regularly during the past two years of political and economic turmoil.
Two weeks ago, a mob burned down a Christian social center in eastern Jakarta. Hundreds have died this year in clashes between Muslims and Christians in Ambon, 1,500 miles east of Jakarta.
The violence has continued despite calls for peace by new President Abdurrahman Wahid, a revered Islamic leader and advocate of sectarian tolerance.
Wahid will usher in the new year in Irian Jaya, on Indonesia's eastern tip, which is two time zones ahead of Jakarta.
Meanwhile, in the tourist mecca of Bali, hotels reported booking rates of only 65 percent for the holidays, despite the lack of restrictions on festivities on the mainly Hindu island.
Local tourism officials attributed the poor bookings during the usual peak season to Y2K fears and concerns over unrest.
Copyright 1999 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Tampa Bay Online | Tampa Tribune | Weather Center | Florida Travel