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)