Running a nightspot not all that easy<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Running a discotheque in a big city in Indonesia
\nis definitely not as easy and smooth as operating a warung tegal,
\nthe very popular stalls offering a wide range of ready-to-eat
\nfood.<\/p>\n
Nightspot owners know exactly what the problems are.<\/p>\n
No, it's not about obtaining government permits, not even the
\ncapital required.<\/p>\n
One of the dilemmas is the need to temporarily stop their
\nbusiness activities during the whole of the Muslim fasting month
\nof Ramadhan.<\/p>\n
Some of them can understand the decision, but some others find
\nthat it's hard for them to meet the requirement as there was no
\nsuch condition stipulated when they firstly applied for their
\npermits.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, they say that closing their businesses for one
\nfull month causes them major losses.<\/p>\n
According to those who are unhappy with the rule, running
\ndiscos, pubs, nightclubs and massage parlors in Indonesia means
\noperating for 11 months of the year, while they are required to
\npay their employees' wages for 12 months plus the various
\nallowances and the annual religious holiday bonuses.<\/p>\n
In Jakarta, the rule has been in effect since 1999 when it was
\nfirst introduced by the current Governor Sutiyoso, who had been
\nrepeatedly pressurized and threatened by certain Muslim
\norganizations.<\/p>\n
Previously, entertainment spots in the capital were allowed to
\nrun their businesses subject to restricted operating hours during
\nRamadhan, usually from after Tarawih (special Ramadhan evening
\nprayer) until midnight.<\/p>\n
This, however, is no longer the case.<\/p>\n
But the most difficult problem, according to both veteran
\noperators and newcomers, is the threat of attack and the burning
\nof their properties by certain Islamic groups, particularly the
\nIslamic Defenders Front (FPI).<\/p>\n
In the first two weeks of the recent Ramadhan month alone,
\nmembers of the front had reportedly attacked, vandalized and set
\nfire to a significant number of entertainment spots. Some of them
\nhave even wounded and robbed guests. As in previous cases, the
\npolice did not have the guts to arrest any members of the group.<\/p>\n
\"The city administration had to introduce the ruling due to
\nthe unfavorable atmosphere in the capital,\" Hailai International
\nExecutive Club general manager Suryadi told The Jakarta Post
\nrecently.<\/p>\n
Suryadi firmly believed that Sutiyoso's administration finally
\nhad to opt for the ruling simply \"to prevent\" more anarchic acts
\nagainst property and the guests of entertainment spots.<\/p>\n
\"Frankly speaking, the decision has burdened us,\" he said,
\nadding that his 900 employees had also lost the opportunity to
\nearn extra money from customers' tips.<\/p>\n
Located on a 10,000-square-meters plot next to the Ancol
\nrecreational park in North Jakarta, Hailai -- which started
\noperation 10 years ago -- has been one of the capital's most
\npopular spots for high-class party-goers. It offers a karaoke
\nbar, nightclubs, discotheques, restaurant, coffee shop, bar,
\nsinging hall, and a fitness and health club.<\/p>\n
Suryadi claimed that the temporary closure only cost Hailai
\nminor losses as some of its services were still allowed to open
\nduring Ramadhan.<\/p>\n
\"It is not that much for us but quite a burden for our
\nemployees,\" he added.<\/p>\n
During the recent Ramadhan month, several FPI members
\nroutinely visited Hailai to check whether its nightclubs and
\ndiscotheques were open or not, he recalled.<\/p>\n
\"I wonder sometimes who gives them the authority to do so. But
\nwe cannot do anything to stop them,\" Suryadi said.<\/p>\n
He added he strongly hoped that law enforcement would be
\nstrictly upheld in the country.<\/p>\n
\"That is the most important thing.\"<\/p>\n
Unlike the accommodative approach of Hailai, the management of
\nthe Lone Star discotheque -- one of the oldest nightspots in
\nJakarta -- in the Blora area of Central Jakarta, took somewhat
\nradical action over the city ordinance. The owner turned the
\nplace into live-music hall and hired civilian security guards to
\nanticipate any attacks from the FPI.<\/p>\n
\"We see the ordinance as a symbol of the sickness pervading
\nthe city administration and as being really contrary to human
\nrights. How can such people have the right to prevent us from
\nearning our living?\" Harto of the Lone Star discotheque told the
\nPost.<\/p>\n
\"We have the permits. We pay our taxes. So, why do they have
\nto stop us from running our business?\" he asked.<\/p>\n
First opened in 1969, the Lone Star is located next door to
\nseven other nightspots on Jl. Blora.<\/p>\n
During this year's Ramadhan, the FPI repeatedly terrorized
\nowners and employees of the nightspots, threatening to vandalize
\nand burn them.(dja)<\/p>",
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"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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