Indonesian Police Address Viral 'Kopi Pangku' Practice in Kudus

Indonesian police have stepped in after videos of 'kopi pangku', a practice where patrons are served coffee while women sit on their laps, went viral at street coffee stalls in Kudus, Central Java. The Kapolsek (Police Chief) of Kudus Kota, AKP Subkhan, stated that in the absence of specific regional regulations for street coffee operations, the police are urging merchant associations in each zone to create binding internal rules.

These internal regulations must be registered with the Department of Trade and Department of Transportation, and reported to the police to ensure official oversight. Key points for merchants to adhere to include limitations on operating hours, with a maximum closing time of midnight (00:00 WIB) as agreed upon with the acting Regent of Kudus. Subkhan emphasized that Kudus is a "Religious City" inherited from Sunan Kudus, and while tolerance allows businesses to operate and support the local economy, the city's reputation must be protected.

"We must prevent the emergence of negative stigmas such as 'kopi pangku' or other forms of deviation," Subkhan asserted. He added that merchants found violating the agreed-upon rules will face firm sanctions. These sanctions could range from the suspension of operational permits to temporary bans on selling, depending on the severity of the violation.

The intervention aims to balance economic activity with the preservation of the city's cultural and religious identity. While acknowledging the need to support local livelihoods, authorities are taking a firm stance against practices that could tarnish Kudus's image as a religious center.