Locals attack red-light cafes

BOGOR: Local residents attacked and burned about 12 small cafes in Kampung Babakan, Pondok Udik subdistrict, Kemang district, at about 5 a.m. on Friday, the core business of which they accused of prostitution.

The cafes, according to one of the cafe workers, are closed on Thursdays.

Pondok Udik subdistrict head Amsar said he deplored the attack.

"The incident would not have occurred if the cafe owners had complied with what we had all agreed upon two weeks ago: Not to carry out prostitution here. The prostitutes who usually solicit clients inside the cafes were out on the street yesterday," he said.

Kemang Police chief Adj. Comr. Syamsiarno said his office was now handling the case. -- JP