'Police must prevent attacks on entertainment centers'
'Police must prevent attacks on entertainment centers'
JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso asked the city police on
Friday to stop the rampant attacks on entertainment centers
during the fasting month of Ramadhan.
"I'm very disappointed with the attacks because when I ordered
the closure of the nightspots during Ramadhan I had considered
the interests of all parties.
"The police should have done their jobs and put an end to such
attacks," he said.
"All parties should respect each other, especially since I
have considered their (the attacking group's) demand. At least
they should respect my decision," he added.
Sutiyoso reminded that, although the city administration had
established the tripartite security system, involving officers
from the police, the military and city public order officials, it
was still the responsibility of the police to arrest those who
commit acts of violence.
"The tripartite system cannot handle all security problems, as
it's the police who have the authority to capture the criminals
and is responsible for maintaining peace and order in the
capital," he said.
The governor did not name specific groups behind the attacks,
but was most likely referring to a series of violent raids
conducted by the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) over recent days.
Following pressure from Muslim groups and six City Council
factions, Governor Sutiyoso announced on Nov. 23 that nightspots
must close during Ramadhan, Idul Fitri and Christmas.
FPI attacks on nightspots have intensified during Ramadhan
following their pledge to burn down establishments which continue
to operate during the fasting month.
The group usually arm themselves with long wooden sticks,
swords, daggers and other sharp weapons for the raids.
On Wednesday FPI raided the MW bar and the Ratu Ayu bar on Jl.
Tubagus Angke in Wijaya Kusuma subdistrict, West Jakarta, despite
the bars being closed at the time of the attack.
Earlier on Thursday, Jakarta Police spokesman Supt. Anton
Badrul Alam said the police had yet to make any arrests over the
attack, but planned to summon the FPI chief for an interview.
Muslim leaders have condemned the raids on various
entertainment centers, saying that the group does not represent
the entire Muslim community, and urge the police to arrest those
responsible.
Separately, the Jakarta Tourism Agency chief, Parlindungan
Hutabarat, said many businessmen were afraid to open their
businesses here because the police could not provide adequate
security.
"They are scared because of the attack. The police should be
responsible for it.
"Do the police understand that the series of attacks will make
people close their businesses in the capital?" Parlindungan said
with a high tone. (dja)