Tangerang regency closes nightspots

TANGERANG, West Java (JP): Two nightspots were shut down here Thursday for violating their entertainment licenses.

The FM3 Singing Hall at Hotel Transit and the Borobodur Lounge at Istana Nelayan Hotel were closed by the authorities for operating as discos and for failing to stop Ecstasy trade.

"Discotheques are not allowed in Tangerang," the assistant to the township secretary, RS Ruchiyat, said. "But the lighting arrangements and sound systems at the inspected locations prove they are operating as discotheques."

He said the closures were effective Thursday, but the nightspots could reopen when they had brought their operations in line with their permits.

On Tuesday local figures and ulemas pressed the mayor to keep his promise and close down nightspots found to be used as Ecstasy trafficking spots.

Ruchiyat said police arrested two men suspected of selling Ecstasy and seized 75 Ecstasy pills at FM3 Singing Hall on Saturday evening.

Police have since stepped up surveillance on five of the eight licensed nightspots here.

FM3 Singing Hall's owner, Gendon Wijoyo, said yesterday he would try to clean up the nightspot according to its license as a singing hall. (28/anr)