Puncak entertainment spots 'should be shut'

Puncak entertainment spots 'should be shut'

BOGOR (JP): Over 300 Moslem preachers and residents of the
mountainous Puncak area visited the local regency office in
Cibinong Saturday, demanding the regent permanently close all
entertainment spots in their area.

According to the protesters, the decision made by Bogor Regent
Eddie Yoso Martadipura Wednesday to temporarily close the
establishments dissatisfied them.

Cucu, a Moslem preacher from Cisarua, said the authorities
have yet to listen to the wish of the local people.

"Residents in Puncak living in the three districts of Cisarua,
Ciawi and Megamendung strongly want the authorities here to close
forever all the disgraceful places in these areas," Cucu said.

Another Moslem preacher, Syeikhan, from Megamendung, said
those places were used as prostitution and drug trafficking dens.

"The government need not explain legal and regulation aspects,
which won't be understood by preachers. We just want those
establishments closed," he said.

Hidayatullah, from Ciawi, came with a different demand, urging
the regency office not to extend the establishments' permits.

"We asked the regency not to renew their permits," he
proposed.

On Wednesday, regent Eddie said the temporary closure of the
entertainment centers at Puncak was meant to give operators a
chance to solve their problems with the locals.

As Eddie was not in his office Saturday, the protesters were
received by the regency's spokesman, Jenner Simanjuntak, and
local council speaker, Eso Sukarso.

Jenner said after the meeting that the demand of the local
people would be submitted to the regent soon. His office would
also hold a meeting with the operators soon to discuss the
people's wish.

"The locals and operators are difficult to get together. They
are like oil and water," Jenner said.

Hundreds of people stoned at least 12 discotheques on July 30,
in the long-running feud over the alleged immoral activities.
(24/jun)