Hailai celebrates 51st anniversary

JAKARTA (JP): The Hailai International Executive Club celebrated its 51st anniversary in the absence of the executive of its discotheque, Hendro Sumampouw, who was arrested recently for alleged possession of marijuana and Ecstasy pills.

The ceremonies at the nightclub were dominated by Chinese and Western songs and dances even though the club's anniversary this year was titled BetawiKu, JakartaKu, a slogan to help promote the arts and culture of Jakarta and its people.

"We have limited time to perform local songs and dances," said Vivi Lo, promotion manager of the club.

She said the arrest of Hendro had no significant impact on Hailai's businesses.

"But we're still awaiting news on the reopening of the discotheque from the authorities," she said.

Hendro, 38, was apprehended in front of the Hailai building on July 23, allegedly with two and a half marijuana cigarettes and seven and a half Ecstasy pills in his possession.

A few days after the arrest the authorities temporarily closed down the Hailai discotheque, which shares a hall with the nightclub.

Hendro's dossier has already been handed over to the Prosecutor's Office.

The authorities have said if the court finds Hendro guilty, the Hailai discotheque will be permanently closed down. (bsr)