The Dark Side of Jakarta Barat's Nightlife Scene

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Behind the glittering nightlife scene in West Jakarta lies a darker side, with illegal activities taking place within its establishments. A hotel in Grogol Petamburan and a karaoke venue in Kebon Jeruk were raided by police. Illegal activities were uncovered, ranging from drug trafficking to child prostitution. Dozens of people were arrested in both locations. However, the investigation has revealed a larger and more complex issue: the involvement of convicted criminals. Both venues have now been sealed off, and their operating licenses have been revoked by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. The karaoke venue is located inside the B-Fashion Hotel. The raid was conducted in connection with alleged drug trafficking and abuse at the location, with several patrons suspected of being involved in drug transactions. The Head of the Tourism Industry Section of the West Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Office, Gun Gun Mujiantara, stated that, according to the management, the illicit goods did not originate from the karaoke facilities but were brought in by guests from outside. He said he was surprised when he first heard about the arrests of patrons in connection with drug-related offenses at B-Fashion. In fact, on the day of the raid, the management of the entertainment venue was celebrating its anniversary. “I was also surprised because on Friday I passed by B-Fashion, and they were celebrating their anniversary. I didn’t stop by, though. That’s why I was also surprised when I received the information about the raid,” said Gun Gun. The karaoke area within the hotel has been temporarily closed during the police investigation. This activity had become an open secret among patrons and hotel management. In addition to the hospitality business, B-Fashion Hotel also provides entertainment facilities, including karaoke, nightclubs, spas, saunas, and a private VIP service called The Seven. Ten out of 18 hotel employees admitted to knowing about and consciously allowing the drug use activities carried out by most of the patrons. “The management of B-Fashion Hotel was aware of the drug trafficking and use taking place at the location,” said the Director of Narcotics Crimes at the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, in a statement on Friday (May 15, 2026). This activity began to disturb residents, and the alleged drug transactions were reported to the police. The police then took action.