BEKASI NITESPOT OPERATORS, WORKERS PROTEST RAMADHAN CLOSURE

Cikarang, Aug 28 (ANTARA) - Around 370 operators and employees of entertainment centers in Bekasi, east of Jakarta, demanded that the local authorities pay them a post-Ramadhan allowance (THR) following the closure of their work places.

They made the demand in reaction to the forced closure of their businesses during the current Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan.

"We have no other work besides our jobs at our present work places. If they are closed, it means we cannot work and will have no income for Lebaran (post-fasting festivity)," Sadikun (34), an employee of a cafe in the Lippo Cikarang Industrial Zone, said.

The demonstration took place in front of the Bekasi district administration building at around 10 am.

The situation was tense as the demonstrators carried posters demanding the district head to come out to meet them.

The demonstrators, consisting of employees and operators of karaoke bars, discotheques and cafes in eight sections of the industrial zone, got involved in an argument with district administration security and order officers who refused to let hem enter the building.

"We are fed up, every year we are forced to close our work places for a month. How are we to get the funds we need to observe Lebaran with our families. I lose Rp5 million to Rp10 million for every day my business is closed," Dody (51), a karaoke lounge operator, said.

Their posters read among others "District Head, Do not Kill Us Slowly" or "We are also Your People."
The demonstration lasted for an hour but no meeting with the district head happened. The demonstrators could only submit their demand through the chief of order and security, Edward.

"Unless our demand is met, we will come again seven days before Lebaran to ask for THR," Dodi said.

Edward meanwhile said he could not say anything about their demand as the closure was the decision of the district head. "But be sure, I will convey their demand to our superior," he said.

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