Running a nightspot not all that easy

Running a nightspot not all that easy

JAKARTA (JP): Running a discotheque in a big city in Indonesia
is definitely not as easy and smooth as operating a warung tegal,
the very popular stalls offering a wide range of ready-to-eat
food.

Nightspot owners know exactly what the problems are.

No, it's not about obtaining government permits, not even the
capital required.

One of the dilemmas is the need to temporarily stop their
business activities during the whole of the Muslim fasting month
of Ramadhan.

Some of them can understand the decision, but some others find
that it's hard for them to meet the requirement as there was no
such condition stipulated when they firstly applied for their
permits.

Furthermore, they say that closing their businesses for one
full month causes them major losses.

According to those who are unhappy with the rule, running
discos, pubs, nightclubs and massage parlors in Indonesia means
operating for 11 months of the year, while they are required to
pay their employees' wages for 12 months plus the various
allowances and the annual religious holiday bonuses.

In Jakarta, the rule has been in effect since 1999 when it was
first introduced by the current Governor Sutiyoso, who had been
repeatedly pressurized and threatened by certain Muslim
organizations.

Previously, entertainment spots in the capital were allowed to
run their businesses subject to restricted operating hours during
Ramadhan, usually from after Tarawih (special Ramadhan evening
prayer) until midnight.

This, however, is no longer the case.

But the most difficult problem, according to both veteran
operators and newcomers, is the threat of attack and the burning
of their properties by certain Islamic groups, particularly the
Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).

In the first two weeks of the recent Ramadhan month alone,
members of the front had reportedly attacked, vandalized and set
fire to a significant number of entertainment spots. Some of them
have even wounded and robbed guests. As in previous cases, the
police did not have the guts to arrest any members of the group.

"The city administration had to introduce the ruling due to
the unfavorable atmosphere in the capital," Hailai International
Executive Club general manager Suryadi told The Jakarta Post
recently.

Suryadi firmly believed that Sutiyoso's administration finally
had to opt for the ruling simply "to prevent" more anarchic acts
against property and the guests of entertainment spots.

"Frankly speaking, the decision has burdened us," he said,
adding that his 900 employees had also lost the opportunity to
earn extra money from customers' tips.

Located on a 10,000-square-meters plot next to the Ancol
recreational park in North Jakarta, Hailai -- which started
operation 10 years ago -- has been one of the capital's most
popular spots for high-class party-goers. It offers a karaoke
bar, nightclubs, discotheques, restaurant, coffee shop, bar,
singing hall, and a fitness and health club.

Suryadi claimed that the temporary closure only cost Hailai
minor losses as some of its services were still allowed to open
during Ramadhan.

"It is not that much for us but quite a burden for our
employees," he added.

During the recent Ramadhan month, several FPI members
routinely visited Hailai to check whether its nightclubs and
discotheques were open or not, he recalled.

"I wonder sometimes who gives them the authority to do so. But
we cannot do anything to stop them," Suryadi said.

He added he strongly hoped that law enforcement would be
strictly upheld in the country.

"That is the most important thing."

Unlike the accommodative approach of Hailai, the management of
the Lone Star discotheque -- one of the oldest nightspots in
Jakarta -- in the Blora area of Central Jakarta, took somewhat
radical action over the city ordinance. The owner turned the
place into live-music hall and hired civilian security guards to
anticipate any attacks from the FPI.

"We see the ordinance as a symbol of the sickness pervading
the city administration and as being really contrary to human
rights. How can such people have the right to prevent us from
earning our living?" Harto of the Lone Star discotheque told the
Post.

"We have the permits. We pay our taxes. So, why do they have
to stop us from running our business?" he asked.

First opened in 1969, the Lone Star is located next door to
seven other nightspots on Jl. Blora.

During this year's Ramadhan, the FPI repeatedly terrorized
owners and employees of the nightspots, threatening to vandalize
and burn them.(dja)