Massage parlors attacked in Ciracas

Massage parlors attacked in Ciracas

JAKARTA (JP): Nearly 300 people attacked seven small
establishments on Jl. Raya Bogor in Ciracas, East Jakarta,
Saturday night.

Two massage parlors, three stalls selling liquor, a stall
traditionally operated by Batak people, and one billiard center,
all located in two neighborhood units, were torn down during a
rampage by local residents.

According to Toha Reno, the head of the public order office's
entertainment division, the attack was related to previous
protests by residents upset with the establishments in their
area.

"The residents said the amusement centers were violating
regulations," he said. One of the massage parlors, he said, was
only in possession of a restaurant permit.

Toha said some of the places destroyed had been closed down by
his office earlier, but had resumed operating several days later.

No casualties were reported and financial losses have yet to
be calculated. (04)