No new permit for Buddha Bar: City

JAKARTA: The City Tourism Agency said Wednesday that the city administration would not entertain a new request by the management of the controversial Buddha Bar for a business permit.

“The company should instead turn the building into an art gallery,” agency head Arie Budhiman said.

The Buddha Bar was housed in the antiquated Immigration Office building, which was originally meant for arts exhibitions and as a venue for opera performances.

Earlier this year, the Building Supervisory Agency (P2B) closed the restaurant and bar down after revoking its business permit.

In 2009, the Religious Affairs Ministry urged the management of Jakarta’s Buddha Bar to shutter its local branch following protests from local Buddhists over the bar’s name and the use of Buddhist icons.

Central Jakarta District Court later ordered the closure of the bar following several petitions filed by a number of groups. — JP