With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan 2025 drawing near, officials across Indonesia are ramping up preparations to address both public safety and community regulations. Recent announcements from local governments highlight strategies to manage increased social activity and potential fire risks during this significant period.
On February 27, the Dinas Pemadam Kebakaran dan Penyelamatan (Disdamkarmatan) of Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) held an emergency preparedness rally to boost readiness against potential fire hazards. Led by its head, Fida Hurasani, the event emphasized the importance of vigilance among personnel and volunteers, particularly as communities tend to be more active during the night throughout Ramadan.
"I urge all personnel and volunteers to remain on alert, especially during Ramadan. We do not want any fire incidents detrimental to the community, especially during this holy month," said Hurasani. This heightened activity poses several risks, Hurasani explained, including increased hazards associated with electronic devices and kitchen activities, potentially leading to careless behavior.
According to Hurasani, many fires are linked to neglectful practices, such as forgetting to turn off stoves or issues arising from excessive use of electrical appliances left unattended. The department intends to engage directly with the public, offering education on fire prevention measures. "The role of the community is pivotal in reducing fire risks," he added, urging residents to check electrical installations and ensuring cooking appliances are turned off before sleeping.
Simultaneously, on February 28, the Murung Raya regency government released regulations concerning entertainment venues and food establishments during Ramadan and the subsequent Idul Fitri celebrations. This decree, endorsed by Bupati Murung Raya Heriyus, emphasizes the necessity of fostering tolerance and harmony during the fasting month.
Specific guidelines outlined include the closure of night entertainment venues, such as discotheques and karaoke bars, on the first day of Ramadan and the three days leading up to Idul Fitri (H-3) and extending until two days after the celebration (H+2). Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from being sold throughout the fasting month at any restaurants, cafes, or local eateries, reflecting the community’s respect for the religious observance.
For family karaoke venues without alcohol, they are permitted to operate, but only until midnight, and must adhere to health protocols. The administration is encouraging businesses to operate discreetly during Ramadan, emphasizing summarized measures to prevent disturbances to religious practices.
From the perspective of community leaders, the call for compliance is straightforward. “We hope the business owners involved will adhere to the decrees laid out by the Murung Raya regency; this is to sustain our relationships and harmony among each other,” remarked K. Zen Wahyu Priyatna, head of Satpol PP and Damkar, through the department’s head of law enforcement, M. Robiyannor. He expressed confidence the new measures would help cultivate community peace and respect during the holy month.
The significance of these announcements goes beyond regulatory compliance; they aim to encourage responsible behavior within the community. Fida Hurasani’s warnings about potential fire risks dovetail with the necessity for shared accountability among businesses and residents. The layering of public safety initiatives with cultural sensitivities marks this Ramadan as more than just a month of fasting but as a period of reflection and communal respect.
Consequently, both the fire department and local government continue their efforts to prepare for Ramadan. They aim not only to mitigate risks but also to strengthen community bonds through adherence to these regulations. The forthcoming month will require diligence and participation from all members of the respective communities, fostering safety and tolerance.