Moslem scholars want Puncak entertainment center shut

BOGOR (JP): Local Moslem scholars appealed for a second time yesterday to local authorities to shut dozens of entertainment establishments in the popular Puncak resort area which they charged front for the sex business and the drug transactions.

Spokesman for the 140-strong-group, Muhammad Zein, said the discotheques, nightclubs and brothels along the mountainous Puncak pass road degraded the morals of local youngsters.

"We will make our last appeal for the third time. If the authorities still ignore our demands, we will refuse to take any responsibility when local people make their own move to close the places," Zein told The Jakarta Post.

The first appeal of the scholars from Ciawi, Megamendung and Cisarua districts was lodged Monday with the local council.

Councilors refused comment but said they would discuss the matter with the administrative officials, Zein said.

"The councilors promised to call us for the next meeting but up to today we have received no phone calls from them."

The ulemas have compiled a list of at least three places in the area which are a favorite haunt for prostitutes waiting for clients, plus 20 nightspots and 14 massage parlors in which prostitution is practiced.

He said the scholars often received complaints from local residents about the sites in the past, as the public hoped the Moslem preachers could push the authorities to clean up the area.

"At that time, we could do nothing because the places were heavily backed (by influential figures).

"But times are different now. We hope that the authorities will want to hear people's wishes in this current era of openness."

The establishments are often used by hoodlums as their bases to create disturbances, Zein added.

"One thing which has broken the hearts of all parents here is the mental and spiritual degradation of our youngsters caused by such a licentious environment." (24/ivy)