Hundreds Storm Tegal Council to Reject Nightlife Venue

Hundreds of residents from Margadana district, Tegal City, Central Java, stormed the Tegal City DPRD building on Thursday (25/6/2026). They voiced their rejection of the planned operation of a nightlife venue, Helen’s Night Mart, located in the Sumurpanggang sub-district, Margadana district. The demonstration was attended by various community elements, ranging from religious leaders, Islamic boarding school students, community figures, to housewives. Residents conveyed their aspirations regarding concerns about the social impact that could arise if the nightlife venue begins operating. Action coordinator Edy Priyono stated that the residents’ arrival at the DPRD was a form of conveying the community’s objections to the presence of a nightlife venue in the area. “We are here to convey the community’s aspirations and to promote virtue and prevent vice. Do not let the presence of nightlife venues expand into environments close to residential areas and religious educational institutions,” said Edy. According to Edy, there are already quite a number of nightlife venues in Tegal City, the majority of which are located in the city centre. He expressed hope that similar business developments would not encroach upon suburban areas that have so far been considered conducive. During a hearing between protester representatives and Tegal City DPRD Chairman Kusnendro, Mayor Dedy Yon Supriyono, Regional Secretary Agus Dwi Sulistyantono, and several council members, residents conveyed their concerns regarding the planned opening of Helen’s Night Mart and urged the Tegal City Government to reconsider the venue’s presence. Kusnendro explained that, from a licensing perspective, the process for the business had already been completed. However, the government must still pay attention to the aspirations emerging from the surrounding community. “All licensing matters have gone through the process. But we cannot ignore the complaints from local residents. That is what we need to accommodate,” said Kusnendro. Kusnendro stated that the community’s rejection would be forwarded to the Tegal City Government for evaluation. “We will convey this to the Mayor and the City Government for an immediate evaluation regarding the establishment of Helen’s Night Mart,” said Kusnendro. Regarding the certainty of the venue’s opening, Kusnendro said the decision rests with the Tegal City Government. However, he assessed that further consideration is needed to avoid unrest within the community. “Because there is this kind of aspiration, the opening and related matters should be postponed first, so as not to trigger greater unrest,” he concluded. Meanwhile, the management of Helen’s Night Mart has yet to provide an official statement regarding the residents’ rejection. It is known that Helen’s Night Mart, located on Jalan Dr Wahidin Soedirohusodo, was scheduled to open on Friday (26/6/2026). The venue’s presence has drawn residents’ attention because it is considered to be located not far from religious educational institutions and residential areas.