Pekanbaru to close amusement spots

Pekanbaru to close amusement spots

PEKANBARU, Riau: Despite an outcry from several interested
parties, the Riau mayoralty administration remains steadfast in
its determination to shut down five entertainment centers in the
city, an official said on Tuesday.

Administration spokesman Syaril Nawawi said the authorities
made the decision in response to allegations the entertainment
centers were being used for illegal gambling.

In letter No. 204/PKT, dated July 9, the mayor ordered the
closure of the Sahabat I, II and 12 amusement centers, the Orion
discotheque and the Nangkar Sari video game center by July 19.

Syaril added that residents living near these amusement
centers, including members of the local Association of Islamic
Students (HMI), had demanded the spots be closed because of the
frequent fights that took place near their premises.

"People here have been dreaming about getting these places
closed down, because they don't want their neighborhoods to
become dens for thieves," the head of the local branch of HMI,
Dafrizal, said. --Antara