Indonesia’s Red-Light Districts Will Be Shut Down by 2019

70 red-light districts have been shut down as of press time.
by | March 01, 2016


A prostitute waits for customers near a sign that says "special seating area for women" in the Dolly district of Surabaya March 24, 2014. REUTERS/Sigit Pamungkas

The Indonesian government has begun closing down the country’s red-light districts. The mandate is a move to eradicate prostitution in the country.

As of press time, 70 such districts have been shut down. This includes the legendary Kalijodo neighborhood in Jakarta. It was recently torn down and the government to use the space for a new public park.

WindowSeat Kalijodo from Jakarta Post

The Kalijodo shutdown also affected other businesses, homes, and even places of worship. The 3,000 residents who were given seven days to pack up and relocate.

“If the main reason of the government is to clear prostitution, then I think this is the right thing to do. Prostitution violates religious values and it also disrupts other people around it,” said Slamet Basuki, a resident of Jakarta.

"Dolly" Brothel Remains Open Despite Closure Of Red-Light District...SURABAYA, INDONESIA - JUNE 20: Indonesian commercial female sex workers cover their face sit lined up behind the glass inside a brothel as the activity still runs after being closed by Surabaya's new Mayor at 'Dolly' red-light district on June 20, 2014 in Surabaya, Indonesia. Despite protests by some local residents and sex-workers, Surabaya's new Mayor, Tri Rismaharini closed the 'Dolly' and neighbouring 'Jarak' red-light district in Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, on Wednesday. Many of the community support the end of sex trade in Dolly's streets, with some Islamic groups reportedly threatening violence should the brothels not remain closed. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

The capital city’s rehabilitation and vocational center is open for Kalijodo’s now-jobless sex workers. The center aims to teach them skills to take on new pursuits.

They estimate that there are still around 100 remaining in the list of other districts to close down by 2019.

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