Ali Sadikin says no to red-light district closure
Ali Sadikin says no to red-light district closure
JAKARTA (JP): Former Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin expressed
disagreement on Wednesday about a move to close the city's oldest
red-light district -- Kramat Tunggak in North Jakarta.
"Abolishing prostitutes by closing brothel complexes is
impossible. As long as men live, prostitutes are needed," Ali
said during a meeting with city councilors.
He said that in addition to centralizing the activity, the
Kramat Tunggak district was also set up in the late 1960s as a
rehabilitation center for prostitutes in the city.
He suggested that instead of closing the center, the
administration improve the brothel complex's rehabilitation
function.
"It would be better to centralize prostitution than let the
prostitutes operate on the city's streets and in shopping
centers," he said.
Ali reiterated his stance to reporters who were waiting
outside the City Council.
He asked a reporter from a Jakarta-based daily specializing in
crime stories whether he had had sex with prostitutes. The
reporter admitted to the practice.
The 72-year-old former governor said the prostitutes, who
mainly come from poor families, needed the money to support their
families.
"No woman wants to become a prostitute," Ali said
He reiterated his stance on legalizing prostitution and
gambling activities in the city, saying that they could
contribute to the city's revenue.
Ali, a retired marine lieutenant general, legalized gambling
and prostitution during his term as Jakarta governor between 1966
and 1977.
Governor Sutiyoso earlier said that he would close all the
brothel complexes here, following the administration's decision
to close the Kramat Tunggak brothel complex on Dec. 8 this year.
He said the brothel would be shut down following complaints
from local residents.
Councilor Posman Siahaan from the Justice and Unity Party
(PKP) shared Ali's opinion on the legalization and centralization
of gambling activities and prostitution.
"It's better to legalize them because the city could charge
taxes to the gambling and prostitution complexes," said Posman,
who is also a member of the council's commission A for
administrative affairs.
He accused city administration officers of exacting 'levies'
from gambling and prostitution operations, which operate
clandestinely and illegally here. (jun)