"Mass organizations must not do such sweeps because it is the sole authority of the law-enforcing agencies," the chief of one of the country`s biggest Islamic organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Said Aqil Siroj, said here on Thursday.
He said it was not appropriate for mass organizations to take over the authority and duties of the law enforcement agencies in maintaining public order.
Said Aqil said he feared there would be anarchy if mass organizations conducted such sweeps.
"Although their aim is good but if it is done not based upon goodwill it will become something bad," he said.
Several regions in the country have imposed a ban for entertainment centers to operate during the fasting month.
The government of the capital city Jakarta has also imposed the ban valid from July 31 to September 2, 2011.
Exceptions are given to live music, karaoke and billiard salons but their operations are also limited from 8.30pm to 1.30am.
To ensure that the regulation is heeded the Jakarta tourism service has set up a team consisting of police officers to monitor its implementation.
Said Aqil meanwhile admitted that he had appealed to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono through the ministries of religious affairs and home affairs to tighten the requirements for the registration of new mass organizations.
He said he had conveyed the request when he met with the President on July 25 together with the leaders of 12 other Islamic organizations.
"Actually the more mass organizations there are, the better in view of brotherhood and solidarity development. But care must be taken that they do not run out of control. Extremist organizations must be constantly monitored," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
