Warning to amusement centers

TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang authorities vow to take stern action against the managements of amusement centers found violating their operation permits.

Nurhayat, spokesman for the Tangerang mayoralty said yesterday that a team has been set up to raid amusement centers operating in the area soon.

Some amusement centers and hotels have become fronts for prostitution, he said, citing Hotel Transit as an example.

Families living near the hotel have been complaining about prostitution at the hotel.

A visitor to the hotel, who asked not to be identified, said that he paid Rp 60,000 per hour for a room. He said couples simply parked their car in a garage at the back of the hotel and the hotel employees arranged for rooms.

"We cannot condone prostitution," Nurhayat said, adding that the authorities could close the hotel and revoke its operation permit for good.

He said that the Tangerang mayoralty has issued operation permits for karaoke houses, restaurants and singing halls. "Action must be taken if the amusement center owners violate the operation permits," he said.

At least three amusement centers have been closed for violating permits.

There are now six amusement centers and restaurants operating in Tangerang. (13)