FPI storms discotheque

JAKARTA: Hundreds of Islam Defenders Front (FPI) members raided a Central Jakarta nightclub early Friday morning and forced the management to close the venue until seven days after the Idul Fitri holidays.

FPI Secretary General Ustadz Ja'far Siddiq, who led the raid, said the 1001 Nights Discotheque, on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, had violated city administration regulations banning clubs from opening during certain hours during Ramadhan. He said the club opened from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.

A representative for 1001 Nights Discotheque, Jarot, signed a letter stating that he agreed to temporarily stop the business. Mangga Besar subdistrict head Dasuki Jaros also gave his signature.

"If they open tomorrow, we will destroy it," Ja'far was quoted by Antara as saying.

The vicinity was tightly guarded by hundreds of police officers who were deployed to monitor the situation and prevent the standoff from deteriorating further.

The police, who are supposed to enforce the governor's decree on the temporary closure of entertainment spots, did not prevent the FPI from taking over the police's role.

Last week, the FPI raided two night spots and destroyed hundreds of bottles of alcohol.--JP