Indonesia has More Than 40,000 Sex Workers

TEMPO.CO, Banyuwangi – Director of Social Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Social Affairs (Ministry) Sonny W. Manalu, stated that there are currently over 40,000 sex workers spread in red light districts across Indonesia. “The number increases every year,” said Sonny in Banyuwangi, East Java, on Tuesday (16/4). 

Sonny explained that out of the abovementioned amount, 7,500 of them are located in red light districts in various areas in East Java. He urged the regional government to actively reduce the amount of prostitutes. Sonny also claimed that the Ministry is ready to assist sex workers who intend to abandon their profession.

Banyuwangi Regency is an example of a region that successfully closed down one of its red light districts. Therefore, the Ministry will distribute Rp 3,000,000 – Rp 5,000,000 for each former sex worker for business capitals and education purposes. “We will also cover their living costs for the first three months,” Sonny stated.

Chief of the Banyuwangi Social Worker and Transmigration Department, Syaiful Alam, stated that they intend to close down 11 red light districts operating in the region in 2013. As many as 190 sex workers will be trained in certain skills such as make-up, culinary, and sewing.

IKA NINGTYAS