West Java district to ban TV in favour of more Islamic studies for kids

JAKARTA — A district chief in West Java province has ordered a TV blackout for local children after sunset in favour of more Islamic studies and Quran recitals.

Mr Dedi Mulyadi, the head of Purwakarta district, told Tempo yesterday (July 5) that the ban would run from maghrib, the fourth prayer of the day that Muslims are obliged to conduct and which coincides with sunset, until after isya, the fifth and final prayer, which at this time of year falls shortly after 7pm.

“Right now, the custom of praying in a congregation and reciting the Quran and studying from maghrib until isya has been badly degraded,” he said.

He blamed “useless” TV programming during that period for children’s reluctance to immerse themselves in Islamic studies, and said the holy month of Ramadan, when most people ramp up their piety, was the perfect time to roll out the new policy.

Mr Mulyadi acknowledged that the ban would not be popular, but said he had already discussed it with community leaders and ward and sub-district chiefs. “I’ve ordered them to promote this programme of no television between maghrib and isya,” he said.

It is unclear how he plans to enforce the ban, which as it currently stands is not even in the form of a bylaw or regulation, rendering it legally toothless.

Mr Mulyadi said it was important for that his policy, part of his “save the children” campaign, should succeed, and called on parents to take part in it. THE JAKARTA GLOBE