Five arrested for sex show at upscale karaoke club

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Five people were arrested during a raid on a live sex show in a posh karaoke club at a five-star hotel in Central Jakarta early Sunday morning, after a tip off from the club's own manager.

Among those arrested were a barely clothed man and woman who were getting it on in front of the guests. The others were the show organizer, his business partner and a male dancer.

Central Jakarta Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Edmond Ilyas said it was the first time that police had raided a live sex show.

Police also took 25 other people, including 15 guests, into custody for questioning.

Edmond said the raid was conducted following a complaint from the club's manager, identified only as Charlie, on Wednesday.

"He showed us an advertisement in the Pos Kota newspaper, advertising the live sex show in the club on Saturday night. He did not want (the show to go ahead) because he claimed his club was a clean, respected one," Edmond said.

Pos Kota is a Jakarta-based tabloid-style paper which is known for its criminal news and its extensive classified ads.

Charlie, according to Edmond, took the ad seriously as a man, identified as Jonathan, had booked one of the private rooms in the club, from 8 p.m. until the morning.

The police, led by Jakarta Police detective chief Adj. Comr. AR Yoyol, later conducted the raid in the club.

"It was proven the report was true because we found the couple barely clothed performing the sex show in front of the guests," said one of the numerous policeman who joined the raid.

During questioning, the suspects had allegedly admitted their wrongdoings for money. The woman who performed in the show was a professional erotic dancer while the man claimed he was unemployed.

The show was well-organized. There were several young women in their 20s who greeted the guests and took them to their seats.

The hotel and club management declined to comment on the case.

Edmond claimed the police regularly conducted raids on prostitution and erotic shows.

However, there is a wide range of sexual entertainment available in Jakarta, including striptease or erotic dancing, live sex shows and prostitution (including adults and children). These activities may take place in budget or exclusive night clubs or discotheques.

People can also hire sexual performers for private activities. Some of them advertise their services extensively in certain media here.

People found guilty of involvement in the sex industry can be charged under Article 296 of the Criminal Code which relates to indecent activities and carries a maximum penalty of 16 months in jail.

Suspects usually arrested by police are normally released soon after. Those who were tried are charged with disturbing public order.

The city public order officers, backed by the police, also regularly raid street prostitutes.