Policy on amusement center opposed

Policy on amusement center opposed

Multa Fidrus, Tangerang

Mayor Wahidin Halim's decision to relocate all existing
entertainment venues to the Pinangsia business and shopping
district in Karawaci has come up against some strong opposition.

Councilor Doni Astoto from the coalition faction said the
shopping district that lies on the border of Tangerang
municipality and Tangerang regency was surrounded by a
residential area.

"I think it would be wiser if the mayor stopped issuing
permits for more entertainment venues, their presence has more
negative implications than benefits," he said on Friday.

The decision to designate Pinangsia as an entertainment
center, bringing together massage parlors, cafes, pubs,
nightclubs, karaoke lounges, billiard halls and spas, was
stipulated in the mayor's decree issued on June 10.

Many people have protested the decree, fearing that it would
pave the way for unscrupulous businesspeople to open illicit
night spots.

Doni said the council had suggested the administration
reevaluate its decision.

"I doubt the relocation would reduce prostitution practices.
When former mayor M. Thamrin prohibited entertainment venues
here, dozens of nightspots opened within a few years," he
remarked.

Municipal administration spokesman Chaerudin said on Friday
that the mayor would postpone the implementation of the decree
indefinitely.

"He said that in a meeting with a number of ulemas, public
figures, non-governmental organizations and students on
Wednesday," he added.

However, the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), the Solidarity for
Tangerang Muslim Community (SMIT) and the Indonesian National
Youth Committee (KNPI) have declared their support of the decree,
which they say would serve as a legal means to tighten control
over entertainment venues in the municipality.