Permit for Raided Karaoke Venue in West Jakarta Deemed Necessary to Revoke for Deterrent Effect

JAKARTA - The permit for a karaoke venue in West Jakarta, raided in connection with suspected drug transactions and misuse, is deemed necessary to be revoked to provide a deterrent effect for other nightlife establishments.

This assessment was expressed by public policy expert from Trisakti University, Trubus Rahadiansyah, following the raid on Karaoke B-Fashion in the Grogol Petamburan area on Friday (8/5/2026).

“Because if it’s already a place for drug distribution, it’s a serious legal violation, so this should also serve as a deterrent for other entertainment venues,” Trubus said when contacted by Kompas.com by phone on Wednesday (13/5/2026).

Therefore, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, in this case the Tourism Office, is urged not to hesitate in taking firm action against the managers of businesses involved in similar cases.

“Because what was found in West Jakarta is actually not new. Such things are still happening in other places,” Trubus said.

Trubus also alluded to enforcement actions taken in previous governors’ eras against entertainment venues involved in drug cases.

“In the time of Mr Anies Baswedan, they were closed and permits revoked. Mr Ahok was even tougher; closed, revoked, done,” he said.

Head of the Tourism Industry Section of the West Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Sub-District Office, Gun Gun Mujiantara, confirmed the raid.

However, based on statements from management, the drugs found were said not to originate from the karaoke operators.

“Yes, there was a raid. But the management assures that the items (drugs) were not from the management at all, no involvement there. So from guests from outside,” Gun Gun said when confirmed by phone on Tuesday.

Gun Gun admitted to being surprised to hear about the arrest of visitors related to the drug case at the location. Because, on the same day, the operators were said to be celebrating the entertainment venue’s birthday.

Currently, the karaoke area located within the hotel has been cordoned off by police for further investigation purposes. Karaoke operations have also been temporarily closed during the examination process.

The West Jakarta Sub-District Tourism and Creative Economy Office will also visit the location and examine the entertainment venue’s management to request official statements.

“We will go there soon. To be sure, I will try to conduct a BAP (Examination Report) there later,” Gun Gun said.