A child stands among Muslims attending prayers on the eve of the first day of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan at a mosque in Makassar, South Sulawesi August 31, 2008. Muslims around the world congregate for special evening prayers called "Tarawih" during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    JAKARTA, Sept.1 (Xinhua) -- Muslims in Indonesia start on Monday performing their holy obligation of one-month fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan.

    During the month, night clubs, restaurants and other public facilities are restricted on their opening in order to respect those performing fasting in the multi-religion country.

    The government has officially declared that Ramadan begins Monday.

    "We want to step up unity and cohesion," Antara news wire quoted Religious Minister Muhammad Maftuh Basyuni as saying.

    In Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province, police ordered all entertainment places in the city to close down during Ramadan and would regularly conduct sweeping to ensure that no one breaks the rule.

    Muslims account for 87 percent of Indonesia's total population of 230 million.

Boys fall sleep among Muslims attending prayers on the eve of the first day of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan at mosque in Makassar, South Sulawesi August 31, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>