Hundreds of employees of the Buddha Bar have rejected calls for the bars closure or even changing its name, saying that it might cause them lose their job.

One employee, Bambang, said shutting the bar would threaten his income.

"We are making money here. If the bar is shut or even closed off we will lose our jobs. What should we do? It's really hard to find a job now."

"We also hope that the name of the bar will never be changed, since Buddha Bar has been a mark for this place. If it is changed, we are afraid that it will affect the number of visitors," he said.

Idrus from the All-Indonesia Workers Union (SPSI) backed-up the employees.

"We fully support the about 300 employees working in the bar. It's a matter of their survival," Idrus said.

The Buddha Bar has drawn complaints from Buddhists, who object to the use of the name of their sacred leader for a bar.

A group called the Anti Buddha Bar Forum has asked the city administration to urge PT Nereta, who manage the Buddha Bar, to change the bar's name.

Henry, operational manager of Buddha Bar, said his office had sent letter to its franchisor in France, asking if it was possible to change the bar's name.

"We are waiting for the response," Henry said.

George V Entertainment, which owns a global chain of hotels, cafes and restaurants, is the franchisor of the Buddha Bar.

The presence of the bar has also raised questions as to the governments involvement in the building, the former Immigration Office. The building is owned by the administration.

The Budda Bar is now run by the daughter of former governor Sutiyoso, who originally approved the renovation of the building.

The Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) has demanded the administration explain the ownership status of Buddha Bar.

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