Bogor residents continue protests against nightspots

BOGOR (JP): At least 300 people from three districts here visited the Bogor council for the second time Saturday to reemphasize their demands for the immediate closure of nightspots in the Puncak resort area.

Residents of Cisarua, Mega Mendung and Ciawi thronged to the council following an incident on Thursday in which hundreds of people, including Moslem scholars, from six villages in Cisarua district ran amok and destroyed at least 16 buildings, including villas, discotheques and massage parlors along the mountainous Puncak pass road.

According to one resident, the local community was strongly urging authorities to take stern action against owners of nightspots -- which they said sold sex and drugs -- which were open for business despite being ordered to close down by the government.

The crowd was received by representatives of the council, police and military command.

On July 13, residents visited the Bogor regional council and the West Java provincial council to lodge a complaint. The councilors, however, apparently gave no appropriate response to the people's complaint.

"The entertainment spots were still operating. We are worried that they will degrade the morals of our youngsters," one resident told reporters Saturday.

During Thursday's incident, the protesters also herded 11 alleged prostitutes to the Cisarua Police Station and staged rallies outside seven villas reportedly rented by foreigners.

Among the discotheques stoned during the incident were Monggo Mas, Studio 20, Imagination, Goa, Dewa Dewi and Ligina.

An executive of Monggo Mas discotheque, Teddy F Agung, expressed fear that the angry mobs would return to destroy his establishment.

"I'm afraid of a possible new wave of unrest. Nobody knows what will happen," he told Antara.

The establishment suffered a Rp 20 million loss due to the unrest.

Security officers were seen still patrolling the area on Saturday. (ivy)