THE night was still young, just around 9pm, Friday last week. Loud music filled the air of Alis Bar in Jalan Jaksa, Central Jakarta. Its front yard was occupied by tables with big umbrellas. The entrance was dominated with bright red lights.

As the night set in, customers began to arrive. They were generally in groups of three or four. Some dressed very smart with shiny shoes and suits. Others looked casual in T-shirts, sport shoes, and shorts.

Ali