Police raid starred Bukittinggi hotels

PADANG, West Sumatra: Police launched a raid on four star- rated hotels on Tuesday in the resort town of Bukittinggi, as several guests were suspected of carrying drugs and sharp weapons.

The four raided hotels were the Novotel Coralia Hotel, Limas Hotel, Royal Denai Hotel and Pusako Hotel.

Although the raid yielded neither contraband nor arms, police sealed several rooms that had been found to be "clean".

Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) chairman Aim Zein regretted the incident.

"They have violated the agreement between the PHRI and police," he said on Tuesday in Padang, capital of West Sumatra, but did not elaborate.

He said the police operation could tarnish the image of Bukittinggi as a tourist destination, adding that they should have acted in accordance with the standing agreement between them and hotel owners.

Aim said the raiding police teams also demanded hotel guests to produce their marriage certificates.

"They deviated from their purpose and caused discomfort (to guests) that could threaten tourism here. Do people take their marriage certificates with them wherever they go?" he said.

A medical convention that was to be held on Tuesday at the Novotel was canceled following the raid. -- JP