Indonesian Islamists told to respect non-Muslims at Ramadan

Amirsyah Tambunan, general secretary of the Indonesia Ulema Council

Top Muslim clerical body says food outlets should stay open for non-Muslims during fasting month.

Indonesia's top Muslim clerical body has urged Islamic groups not to target restaurants and street food stalls serving meals to non-Muslims in daylight hours during the holy month of Ramadan which begins next week.

The Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) said on March 28 that food outlets should not be forced to close to respect those who don't have to fast, including Catholics.

The call followed an attempt by the council’s branch in West Java province’s Bekasi district to ban restaurants, cafes and stalls from opening during Ramadan.  "Restaurants and street food stalls, however, should self-regulate so that there’s no inconvenience to those who are fasting and those who aren't," MUI general secretary Amirsyah Tambunan said.

He said vendors should be able to sell meals during Ramadan to help their families who are suffering economically due to the Covid-19 pandemic.“The MUI doesn’t ban people from selling meals during the holy month of Ramadan,” he said.

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