REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) appreciated Alexis Hotel entertainment center closure that was initiated by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan. Earlier, city administration has officially revoked business license of PT Grand Hotel Ancol, which operated Alexis on accusations of prostitution and human trafficking. The company then decided to close down all of its entertainment businesses as they felt the city no longer conducive.
MUI Deputy Chairman Zainut Tauhid Saadi lauded Jakarta Provincial Government for their policy. He said Anies and all the city government staffs have enforced rules fairly and indiscriminately.
“They do it indiscriminately,” said Zainut on Monday (April 2).
Alexis Hotel entertainment center announces it closure by installing a giant banner at RE Martadinata street, North Jakarta, Wednesday (March 28).
Zainut urged Jakarta Provincial Government to clean up the city from illegal businesses. Not only by closing down Alexis entertainment center, but also the other places that provide prostitution, drugs trafficking, and also human trafficking.
“All must be eradicated maximally. Jakarta should be a clean city from sin and munkarat (munkar) places,” Zainut added.
Furthermore, Zainut said Anies should not be outdone by his predecessors who have a good achievement in overcoming the problem of troubled places with firm action. They had closed and diverted its function. Former Jakarta governor Sutiyoso, for example, transformed Kramat Tunggak area from the largest prostitution place in Southeast Asia into an Islamic Center.
“Then, former Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) also transformed Kali Jodo red area into a green open space (RTH) and also a child-friendly integrated public space (RPTRA)," Zainut explained.
Alexis Hotel which operated along with 4Play Club and Bar Lounge, restaurant, spa, karaoke, and music lounge by PT Grand Ancol was widely rumored to have hosted high-class prostitution services. Closing down the place that located in Pademangan, North Jakarta was one of Anies’s key campaign promises during the gubernatorial election.