Mass protests once again colored the atmosphere of downtown Tegal on Friday (3/7/2026). Hundreds of residents who are members of the Eling Anak Keturunan Alliance went to the Tegal City DPRD Building to voice their objections to the planned operation of nightlife venues, specifically Helens Night Mart located in Margadana District.
Under security escort, the crowd conveyed demands for the local government to be more selective in granting investment permits. The protesters assessed that the uncontrolled rise of nightlife venues has the potential to erode the religious values that have long been the identity of Tegal City, in line with the historical spirit established by early Islamic scholars (ulama).
In his speech, a local religious figure, KH Sarkowi, emphasized that city development should align with building a religious society, rather than becoming a facilitator of vice. Echoing this sentiment, Ustaz Kafandi added that the public's anxiety has reached its peak, urging relevant authorities to take immediate decisive action to protect the morality of the younger generation from the negative impacts of the nightlife environment.
The Chairman of the Presidium of the Eling Anak Keturunan Alliance, Edi Friyono, stated that this protest is a concrete step to ensure that the community's aspirations are heard by policymakers. He stressed that his group will remain consistent in rejecting the presence of such nightlife venues to maintain regional peace and stability from potential social conflicts in the future.
Responding to these aspirations, the Speaker of the Tegal City DPRD, Kusnendro, along with several council members, met the crowd in person. The parliament committed to evaluating every incoming investment by ensuring that the entire licensing process complies with regulations and social norms prevailing in the community.
