Seputarkarawang.com - Karawang, The massive growth of industry in Karawang Regency has apparently not been accompanied by administrative compliance by night entertainment businesses. The results of unannounced inspections (sidak) carried out by a joint team of Satpol PP, DPMPTSP and Bapenda over the last few weeks have revealed an alarming fact: the majority of entertainment venues in strategic points such as Galuh Mas, Tuparev and Telukjambe are operating without complete permits.This phenomenon shows that there is a gap between the thriving night economy and the readiness of regional regulations. Of the 11 night entertainment venues (THM) inspected in two waves of inspections, officers found that only three locations had complete licensing documents. This has sparked concerns regarding the government's weak control over business activities that have high social risks.The most crucial problem found in the field is the distribution of unlicensed alcoholic drinks (minol). Many managers are determined to sell class A, B and C drinks without valid technical verification documents. This practice clearly violates Presidential Regulation Number 74 of 2013 which requires strict supervision of the distribution of alcoholic beverages to prevent negative impacts on society.Apart from the alcohol problem, the joint team revealed the practice of "camouflaging" this type of business which was carried out systematically. Some managers register their premises as restaurants or cafes through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system just to get a Business Identification Number (NIB). However, during night operations, the place changed its function to a discotheque or nightclub without completing a specific entertainment permit.Zoning violations were also sharply highlighted in the inspection report. Referring to Karawang Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 10 of 2021, locations where alcohol sales are strictly prohibited are located within a radius close to public facilities. In fact, there are several karaoke places that stand close to schools, places of worship, and even hospitals, which ethically and legally seriously harm the comfort of Karawang residents.
The dark side of this industry is increasingly visible from the findings of the Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) regarding tax evasion. At least five night entertainment locations are known to have not been registered as regional taxpayers. This means that all this time they have made huge profits from entertainment activities and the sale of alcohol without contributing a penny to Karawang Regency's Original Regional Income (PAD).This non-compliance also extends to the technical aspects of buildings, where many entertainment buildings do not have Building Approval (PBG) and Certificates of Functional Worthiness (SLF). Converting the function of a shophouse into a soundproof room for karaoke without a technical review of the building is very risky for the safety of visitors, especially regarding evacuation standards and fire prevention which are regulated nationally.Responding to these findings, Karawang Regent Aep Syaepuloh instructed Satpol PP to tighten supervision without discrimination. The regional government emphasized that the investment facilities provided so far should not be misinterpreted as a green light to break the rules. Strict action will be taken against "naughty" THMs who remain stubborn even though they have been given time for administrative guidance.The Head of the Gakda Division of the Karawang Satpol PP, Da Prasetya Wirabrata, confirmed that his party would carry out forced summonses against managers who were not cooperative. Periodic evaluations will be carried out to ensure all obligations, from environmental permits to mineral permits, are fulfilled. If it continues to be ignored, the heaviest sanctions in the form of permanent sealing and revocation of business permits are the logical consequences that will be taken.Now, the consistency of law enforcement in Karawang is being tested by the public. The community demands that this inspection is not just a momentary formality to quell the issue, but rather a real step to rid this industrial city of illegal business practices that damage morals and are detrimental to the country. Reorganizing the night entertainment business is the main key in maintaining the authority of the government and social order in the land of Pangkalan Perjuangan.
