An entertainment entrepreneurs association has slammed a gubernatorial regulation that simplifies the process of shutting down entertainment establishments, as it claims the regulation disadvantages businesses.
n entertainment entrepreneurs association has slammed a gubernatorial regulation that simplifies the process of shutting down entertainment establishments, as it claims the regulation disadvantages businesses.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan issued on March 12 Decree No. 18/2018 on tourist businesses, which simplifies the process of shutting down entertainment spots where violations of the law occur based on field monitoring and mass media and public reports. The revocation of business permits may be conducted directly without the issuance of warning letters.
“We feel cornered by this regulation. The administration should investigate claims first, not just clamp down without checking them out,” Jakarta Entertainment Entrepreneurs Association chairman Erick Halauwet said on Thursday.
Erick also questioned the mass media reports the administration could use as grounds for shutting down businesses.
“If media report the wrong facts, the entrepreneurs will be the targets. We can tolerate reputable print media that can take responsibility, but it gets harder with disreputable ones,” said Erick as quoted by kompas.com, noting that hoaxes and fake news could endanger businesses as well.
Erick opined that the regulation was swiftly passed to shut down Alexis Hotel and massage parlor in North Jakarta. “Anies produced the regulation to fulfill his campaign promise [to shut down Alexis], he added.
On Thursday, a photo of an official letter ordering the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) to seal Alexis was leaked to the media, with Satpol PP deputy chief Hidayatullah saying that officers were on stand by in the Ancol district office since 11 a.m.
After the leak, Anies said the incident was an example of the lack of discipline in the organization, noting that he would reprimand Hidayatullah.
Separately, a journalist for a news platform said Naufal Firman Yursak, a member of the Governors Team for Development Acceleration (TGUPP), had called members of the media, asking for the source of the leak.
The journalist refused to hand over the recording to protect the sources, kompas.com reported. (jlm)
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