More young women become prostitutes<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The authorities are concerned over a sharp
\nincrease in the number of young prostitutes throughout the
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
Director of Social Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Social
\nServices, Istikanah Soepardo, said yesterday that the number of
\nyoung women entering prostitution had increased and that last
\nyear 60 percent of Indonesia's 71,281 registered prostitutes were
\nbetween 15 and 20 years of age.<\/p>\n
Istikanah, who is responsible for the rehabilitation of
\nprostitutes and ex-convicts, told the Antara news agency that
\nmany of the young prostitutes had only primary school education.<\/p>\n
She said the total number of prostitutes last year had risen
\nfrom 65,059 in the previous year.<\/p>\n
Earlier reports have revealed that prostitutes who work at
\nmassage parlors or on city streets are not registered with the
\nMinistry of Social Services.<\/p>\n
Last week Central Jakarta police arrested two young women on
\ncharges of duping teenagers into prostitution. One of the alleged
\nvictims is a 12-year-old junior high school student.<\/p>\n
Police said each of the young girls received Rp 25,000 (US$12)
\nfor each client attended to. Police investigations into the case
\nare continuing.<\/p>\n
\"The increased number of young prostitutes is a challenge for
\nthe government,\" Istikanah said.<\/p>\n
According to a survey, 50 percent of young prostitutes enter
\nthe occupation for economic reasons, while 15 percent do so
\nbecause they come from broken homes. A further 12 percent became
\nprostitutes after the end of a short-lived marriage, the survey
\nfound.<\/p>\n
\"So the data shows that not all young women who enter
\nprostitution are from low income bracket families,\" Istikanah
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
To overcome this social problem the Ministry of Social
\nServices plans to establish a special body to take care of young
\nprostitutes.<\/p>\n
Istikanah said that many well-to-do families pay less than the
\nnecessary attention to their children's problems.<\/p>\n
She said that special attention should be given to 13-year-old
\ngirls, who are at the beginning of sexual maturity. \"These girls
\nstart seeking their own identity by exploring many things,
\nincluding sexual activity,\" she explained.<\/p>\n
The increased sexual impulse was also found among growing
\nmales, she said.<\/p>\n
Istikanah said that the impact of globalization and the rapid
\ninflux of information from abroad were a further factor prompting
\nyoung people to sample forbidden fruits.<\/p>\n
Istikanah urged parents to pay serious attention to religious
\neducation at home and to have heart-to-heart talks with their
\nchildren. (tis)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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