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