Many illegal businesses in Karawaci

TANGERANG: Hundreds of businesses in Lippo's Pinangsia Office Park complex in Karawaci have been operating without business permits from the municipal administration, an official says.

Municipal public order agency public order chief Agus Wahyudi, who led a permit operation on Tuesday, said none of the 20 businesses checked, including the Lippo Karawaci marketing office, could show their business permits.

Upon learning that none of the business owners there had obtained permits, the agency issued a warning that businesses had to obtain permits within a month or they would be closed.

"We have just checked one block of the office complex. There are seven blocks altogether here," he said, adding that the others could also have no business permits.

One of the businessmen, who asked for anonymity, claimed that he and several other business owners had earlier applied to the administration for permits, but as of yet they had not been issued.

Although mayor M. Thamrin banned amusement centers in Tangerang, eight nightspots in the complex, including massage parlors, karaoke lounges, night clubs and restaurants, are still operating.--JP