Entertainment Operator Complains About TNI Navy's Raids

Monday, 04 June, 2012


TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Two night entertainment establishments, Exotic and Golden Crown, at Mangga Besar, West Jakarta, were raided by dozens of Indonesian military (TNI) officers from the Navy at about 1 am yesterday.

"They were naval military police (POM TNI AL) saying they were looking for their members at the entertainment spots," said Adrian Maulite, Chairman of the Night Entertainment Association, when contacted by Tempo, Sunday, June 3, 2012.

According to Adrian, the naval personnel were not conducting a raid but an attack on the amusement establishments. Adrian said they, who were transported by three TNI trucks, did not show a warrant. "When I demanded that they show a warrant, they were unable to produce it," said Adrrian.

Dozens of them forced themselves into the entertainment places carrying long-barreled guns. Adrian said their action terrified the visitors of the two entertainment spots, causing them to go away. "Until dawn we were still agitated due to this action," complained Adrian.

Adrian criticized the arrogance of the POM TNI AL when carrying out their duty. According to Adrian, the apparatus wishing to raid their members should have first coordinated with the [entertainment] operators. "So that they're assisted, instead of breaking entry right away carrying long-barreled guns," said Adrian.

Adrian could not accept this kind of behavior. He considered the action a form of abuse of authority against fellow citizens. "Our entertainment business is legal and we pay taxes to the government. So we should have been protected, instead of being treated at will," said Adrian.

Adrian said he would file a protest with the TNI Headquarters. He said the guests of the amusement spots were disturbed by the action. Adrian would also report the matter to the TNI Commander. "We do have the CCTV tape for evidence. So we're ready to be summoned (by TNI HQs) anytime." said Adrian.



( looks like a protection racket in the making, siK.)

TNI Navy: Raid on Night Spots Complies With Procedure,

Monday, 04 June, 2012

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The raid on night spots by Navy's military police
Saturday (6/3) yesterday already complies with regular procedure, reported Navy Information Officer Admiral Untung Suropati. Untung confirmed that the naval military personnel carried rifles.

"As a matter of fact, the procedure for carrying guns is a matter of consideration by the operation chief," said Untung when contacted by Tempo Sunday, June 3, 2012. The chief can decide whether or not guns would be carried, depending on the situation.

"Besides, the duty chief reported that only two members carried long-barreled guns. They were simply standing guard outside," said Untung. Those entering the location were not equipped by any guns.

Untung explained that the visitors of the night entertainment establishments were psychologically taken into consideration. "So that the people will not consider TNI arrogant. So those carrying guns stayed outside," he said.

The raid on Exotic and Golden Crown night spots captured nine TNI members, namely four Army members, three Navy men, one Air Force member, and one policeman.