All entertainment spots in Puncak closed temporarily
BOGOR (JP): Regent Eddie Yoso Martadipura has temporarily closed all entertainment establishments in the popular Puncak mountain resort area until a dispute between operators and locals is resolved.
The regent announced his decision yesterday after a meeting with local Moslem preachers and businesspeople at his office.
"All parties agreed to meet again on Saturday to reach an agreement. We are trying to stop scandalous activities and change to religious activities," Eddie, accompanied by Bogor Police chief Lt. Col. Ferial Manaf and Military District chief Lt. Col. Misjan Anang Sutisna, told reporters.
Halting operations of the area's pubs, massage parlors, discotheques and karaoke halls -- which locals charge are fronts for prostitution and illegal drug transactions -- is intended to prevent a repeat of the stoning of several establishments last Thursday, he said.
Puncak, which literally means "the peak", is about one hour's drive from Jakarta and is a favorite weekend escape for city dwellers.
In addition to the scenic expanse of vast tea plantations, traffic congestion and long lines of vehicles parked along the roadsides are common sights.
Many vacationers still brave the winding traffic jams, with some drawn by the cool climate and others by the diverse attractions of an increasing number of nightspots.
Local preacher Muhammad Zein said residents and religious figures were not against people opening businesses in the area.
"We don't hate people who build hotels and restaurants. But we demand that they close those disgraceful places."
Dens of immoral activities should be closed permanently, he said, warning that local people would not tolerate the authorities allowing them to open for limited hours.
"If we tolerate the limited time for the discotheques, it means that we agree with the immorality. It's a sin!"
The establishments are usually open from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. or later, he said.
Another Moslem preacher, Zaenal Abidin, said some clubs offered striptease shows to entice customers.
"That's why we strongly demand the closure of these places," Zaenal said.
Owners of the nightspots reacted with dismay to the regent's decision.
Ivan Gultom, owner of Monggo Mas discotheque, said the permanent closure of his business would leave him with the problem of laying off 200 employees and could invite new social problems.
"I hope the authorities will be wise before making the decision because there will be many people who would lose their jobs here.
"The unemployed could turn to crime."
Wardoyo Untung Slamet, chairman of the Bogor branch of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, said entertainment centers were inevitable in a resort area.
"The important thing is the authorities should have carefully examined the entertainment places to find out which have violated religious and social values and which have not," said Wardoyo, who owns a hotel in the area.
Authorities could then mete out fair punishment, he added.
"The existing regulation to close all the centers is weak." He conceded some of the places were hangouts of "irresponsible people".
He complained the hotel occupancy rate in the area declined by 30 percent to 40 percent due after Thursday's disturbance.
Hundreds of people stoned at least 12 discotheques in the long-running feud over the alleged immoral activities. (24/jun)