Governor queries FPI raids on nightspots
JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso questioned on Friday the effectiveness of the actions by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), which recently raided a number of city nightspots.
"They do not have the authority to raid the nightspots. And it's still questionable whether their actions are effective in curbing any vice activities in the city," the governor told reporters at City Hall on Friday.
"It's not that they cannot take part in any law enforcement activities. But it's not their part to do the raid," he said.
Sutiyoso also warned such raids could invoke clashes between the FPI activists and operators of the nightspots.
"It's possible that the operators will ask the involvement of local residents to defend the nightspots," he said, while adding that the operators would try hard to defend their earnings.
Separately interviewed, Central Jakarta Mayor Andi Subur Abdullah also regretted the alleged vigilante actions taken by the front.
"They never informed us before conducting the raid. Such vigilante actions are most regretted," he said.
Thousands of members of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) raided several nightspots in the capital on Wednesday night demanding the operators respect the Islamic holiday marking Prophet Muhammad's birthday on Thursday.
The rallying FPI members, dressed in white robes, raided some night clubs and karaoke bars, including those on Jl. Blora in Central Jakarta, Lokasari entertainment center on Jl. Mangga Besar in West Jakarta, and Fashion Cafe on Jl. Sudirman, also in Central Jakarta.
"We've asked the entertainment centers to close their business during the nights of Islamic holidays, but some ignored this," FPI chief of staff Reza Pahlevi told The Jakarta Post.
He said the raid almost ended up in a clash between FPI members and some preman (thugs) who guarded some of the entertainment centers.
"But there were about 6,000 of us which made them think twice to make a move," Reza said.
At Fashion Cafe, the FPI members demanded the management take down a billboard of a beer brand at their place, while in Mangga Besar, they tore down some movie posters which they considered as 'lustful'. (08/nvn)