JAKARTA, Indonesia – A senior police official urged community organisations Wednesday (July 3rd) not to take measures into their own hands if they spot what they deem to be offensive entertainment or behaviour during Ramadan, which begins next week, local media reported.

Deputy Chief of Police Nanan Sukarna told reporters in South Jakarta that any "clean up" operations would be considered illegal and should be left to law enforcement. "If anarchy occurs, then it is the obligation of the police to crack down on anyone," Kompas quoted him as saying.

Police are working to prevent a recurrence of past sweeps made by organisations such as the Islamic Defenders' Front (FPI) before or during the holy month. In some cases, groups have destroyed venues where entertainment deemed as inappropriate was being offered, tribbunnews.com reported.