The Jakarta Post, 10/23/2004 2:41:03 PM
Muslim militants attack cafe in Kemang, S. Jakarta
JAKARTA (AP): Muslim militants in Indonesia's capital vandalized a cafe in an area
popular with foreigners on Saturday because it was serving beer during the Islamic
fasting month of Ramadan, police and one of the militants said.
Around 300 members of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) ordered customers at the
Star Deli in South Jakarta to leave, before smashing the building's windows and doors,
said Alawi Usman, a spokesman for the group.
"We are against immorality," he said. "The guys saw the beer on the table and what
happened, happened. We are doing this for the future of the country's youth."
No one was injured in the attack, which police did nothing to stop, Usman said.
Police confirmed the raid occurred, but declined say why they did not try to prevent it.
The FPI was formed in 2000. It has a history of vandalizing entertainment centers
during Ramadan. Many analysts say that extorting money from frightened bar owners
- not Islamic principles - is its primaryy motive.
Star Deli is in Kemang, an area known for its restaurants, cafes and bars. It is popular
with foreigners and wealthy Indonesians.
The Jakarta government has issued bylaws regulating the opening of nightspots during
Ramadan. Freestanding bars and nightclubs are supposed to close for the whole
month. Enforcement of the laws is patchy, and police and government officials are
easily bribed to turn a blind eye. (*)
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