Viral Cafe Holds 'Halal Discotheque', Owner Will Be Tried

MALANG - The owner of the Preston Coffee cafe in Malang, East Java, which went viral for holding a 'Halal Discotheque', was called by Satpol PP. The owner admits he is wrong and is willing to undergo a trial for a minor crime (tipiring).

Rahmat Hidayat, the Head of Public Order and Order of the Malang City Satpol PP, said the cafe owner admitted to violating health protocols. Starting from the crowd, not wearing masks and PPKM violations.

“The owner also acknowledged the 3 types of violations. We decided to impose a tipiring sanction. We will hold the trial on October 27, 2021," Rahmad told reporters, Thursday, September 30.

It is also known that the cafe that held the halal discotheque twice violated the PPKM rules. Therefore, the second violation forced the cafe owner to undergo a minor criminal trial.

This sanction is related to Regional Regulation Number 2 of 2020 and Mayor Regulation (Perwal) Number 30 of 2020 concerning the Implementation of Discipline and Enforcement of Health Protocols.

"The sanction is a maximum imprisonment of 3 months or a maximum fine of Rp. 50 million," said Rahmad.

Although processed, cafe operations are still allowed. However, the area for the music performance was sealed by the Satpol PP.

"If before the trial there will be another violation, it will not be a criminal sanction anymore, but an administrative sanction in the form of closure," he said.

Meanwhile, Preston Coffee.co's Managing Founder, Aldino said he had tried to apply prokes to visitors. Even during music events, the appeal to wear masks is still being reminded.

"We have asked for discipline, starting to keep your distance, wash your hands and wear masks. We keep reminding you. We've tried," he said.

But Aldino admitted that he was overwhelmed by the anticipation of visitors when the music performance took place. Previously, he had limited visitors by selling tickets to only 50 percent of the total capacity of the building.

“Yesterday we limited it to only 50 percent, but yesterday there were indeed many who came. But if you want to know, there are also many rich cafes, not only us," he said.