Authorities threatened over renegade discos

TANGERANG, West Java (JP): A leader from Tangerang's Moslem community demanded yesterday that authorities close down three nightspots soon, vowing he would organize another street demonstration should no action be taken.

Edy Sulaeman, leader of Saturday's demonstration involving more than 1,000 Moslems, said that one establishment has been used as a brothel, one for drug and Ecstasy trafficking and a third venue featured "impolite" singers.

He referred to FM 3 Transit Hotel on Jl. MH. Thamrin, Model Discotheque on Jl. Merdeka and Singapore Karaoke Singing Hall on Jl. Gatot Subroto. He said that those places could impair and ruin the young generation's morality.

"I won't be afraid of whatever risks are ahead," Edy said, quoting a verse from the Koran.

He accused the hotel's owner of providing prostitutes to visitors, saying that the hotel was being used as a brothel.

He also demanded that the Model Discotheque be shut down either by the owner or the authorities, as it was used by youngsters to enjoy Ecstasy pills.

He also blamed the Singapore Karaoke for featuring striptease dancers and other improperly clad singers wearing only underwear.

The mayor, Djakaria Machmud, when asked to comment on Saturday's demonstration, briefly replied: "We'll just wait and see." He also gave the same reply when asked about the possibility of Edy staging more massive demonstrations

Meanwhile, the head of the local police subprecint, Lt. Col. Djoko Satrio, said he wondered what Edy was actually up to.

He also expressed doubts that the discotheque had been used for drug deals.

"The police will surely take stern action if they found more than eight Ecstasy pills. I'm afraid if there are only one or two pills found there, the evidence is not enough."

He said that the police would keep a close watch on entertainment establishments in town reportedly being used for illicit transactions of Ecstasy pills. (18/26)