Salons accused of selling drugs

JAMBI, Jambi: Religious and local figures in the city of Jambi have asked the administration to close beauty salons providing karaoke rooms as a front for prostitution and drug use.

"Several beauty salons have been turned into a place to take drugs, with karaoke facilities in each one," said Jambi religious figure Abdul Hamid.

He said he had received numerous reports from people living or working near the beauty salons. Many of the salons not only offered haircuts but also a karaoke room in a secluded area in the back, usually on the second floor or in the basement.

Hamid said guests could take drugs in the company of women in these rooms.

Riska, 19, who works at one of the beauty salons said her only job was to wait for men who wanted to use the karaoke facilities.

"Most often they come to have their hair washed or cut, but as soon as they are offered the karaoke rooms they no longer want to wash and cut their hair," she said. -- Antara