Sutiyoso hams it up in karaoke drug raid

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In an effort to show the public that the city administration is serious in the war against drugs, Governor Sutiyoso himself led a raid on a night spot in the Lokasari area of West Jakarta.

During the raid on the Barcelona karaoke lounge, four alleged drug users were arrested, while 16 ecstasy pills and two offensive weapons were confiscated.

Sutiyoso managed to prevent one of the suspects, a woman in her 20s, from fleeing the spot by grabbing her arm.

The four suspects were brought to Jakarta Police Headquarters, while a public order officer put up a notice saying that the place was sealed. It did not say how long the place should stop operating, but usually a venue can resume business not long after it has been sealed.

"I have seen with my own eyes that this karaoke lounge is a place where drug transactions were taking place. I order that it be closed down," Sutiyoso was quoted by Antara as saying.

His team consisted of public order officers, the police, executives of the People's Antidrug Movement (Geram), and journalists.

It was the first time that a Jakarta governor has led a raid against drugs.

Sutiyoso was clad in a casual jacket and drove his jeep, instead of his official car.

The waitress apparently did not recognize him and even offered him a drink.

Barcelona, located on the third floor of a multistory building, was the only place that was raided by Sutiyoso and his team even though there are many other night spots in the area.

It is no secret that drugs can be easily found in many places here, including certain entertainment venues. Weak law enforcement has worsened the situation while the raids are usually futile because of leaks before they are conducted.