Nightspot attacked over alleged prostitution

JAKARTA (JP): About 150 people claiming to be from the Front Hizbullah group attacked the JeJe Discotheque on Jl. Budi Kemuliaan, Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta in the wee hours of Sunday, the police said.

Armed with wooden sticks and swords, the mob smashed furniture and electronic equipment in the discotheque, including three computer units, a video projector and a pool table.

Damages were estimated at about Rp 100 million (US$10,869). No fatalities nor injuries were reported in the incident.

Police said the mob arrived at the discotheque at about 2:20 a.m. and immediately told guests to leave while they began vandalizing the discotheque.

"The mob targeted the discotheque because they claim it has also been a place to get drugs and prostitutes," a police report said.

The discotheque was also attacked on Sept. 30 by the same group, which has become known for raiding clubs serving alcohol and are said to be frequented by prostitutes.

The raiders quickly leave the venue before the authorities arrive, the report said.

To date, none of the group's members have been arrested.

The group also made headlines in September when one of its leaders, Cecep Bustomi, was killed after his vehicle was sprayed with bullets by an unidentified group.

Cecep was shot after he was summoned for questioning at the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) Headquarters in West Java for the death of a Kopassus officer following an attack by the group on a traditional jaipongan dance performance in the area.

The slain Kopassus member was hired as a security guard at the site. (jaw)