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)