P

olice will deploy extra security measures for a so-called Bikini Beach Party on Bintan in Riau
Islands on Saturday that will be broadcast by Fashion TV, following protests from hard-line Muslim groups.

Police said the theme of the event did not violate the anti-pornography law as alleged by opponents.

Bintan Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Dwi Sulistiyono told The Jakarta Post on Friday that the event, which would be held at the Nirwana Garden Resort in the Lagoi International Tourism Zone, would go on as scheduled.

“In response to objections by a number of groups, the police will increase security for this events,” Dwi said.

He added that it was normal for people to wear bikinis on the beach.

“Furthermore, we were told that the event is not open to the public. The large signboards [advertising the party] are just to enliven the event,” he said.

Dwi added 100 police officers would be deployed at the event.

The head of the Riau Islands branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Tengku Azhari Abbas, told the Post on Thursday that the MUI was shocked to learn the event would be held on Bintan, despite the fact that the ethnic Malays in Bintan and the Riau Islands are mainly Muslim.

He claimed the event would have a negative effect on the public, so the MUI was strongly opposed to it.

Event organizers expressed confidence the event would take place as scheduled despite the protests. They said the exclusive nature of the venue was added value as it prevented disturbances.

Nirwana Garden Resort general affairs and administrative director Anton told the Post that those invited to the event had been told the dress code was white bikinis.

Fashion TV booked all 400 rooms at the Nirwana Garden Resort. The event is expected to draw 800 people. Fashion TV had requested a venue that could hold 1,000 guests.