It looks like some Muslims will have to abstain from more than just food and drinks during the holy month of Ramadan. Those living in the Indonesian city of Banda Aceh will have to live without playing video games of any kind while fasting.

We’re serious, by the way.

CCN Indonesia reported that the Banda Aceh city government has officially prohibited its citizens from playing “PlayStation” and online games during Ramadan. Specifically, they can’t play games from 9am to 4pm local time.

Banda Aceh mayor Aminullah Usman said:

“Not participating in karaoke, operating billiard games, PlayStation , various types of online games and other entertainment during the holy month of Ramadan.

The salon will only be open from 09.00 – 16.00 WIB (Western Indonesian Time).

We will monitor everything together,”

It’s not just games either, as the city has banned karaoke, billiard, and other entertainment-related activities. The local authorities will be deployed to monitor the daily activities of Banda Aceh citizens so that they don’t indulge in any of the aforementioned activities.

In Banda Aceh, all business establishments are also required to close during the Isha’ and Tarawih prayers times. They will only be allowed to re-open from 9.30pm to 12am local time. They also have special guidelines in place to avoid too many people from congregating in one place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indonesian city has always been known for being a bit strict in enforcing religious matters. Thankfully, this remains exclusive to Banda Aceh for now, while those in Malaysia (and most other countries) can still play video games as usual during Ramadan.

What do you think? Are the actions of the Banda Aceh city government a bit much? Let us know in the comments below. In the meantime, have a blessed Ramadan Mubarak to all our Muslim readers. You can check out our list of favourite Muslim characters in video games by heading over here.