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)