Governor queries FPI raids on nightspots

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)