Authorities crack down on prostitution

Authorities crack down on prostitution

BATAM, Riau: The Batam administration has warned red-light
districts on the island not to operate during the fasting month
of Ramadhan.

The local government will allow entertainment centers such as
pubs, karaoke clubs and discotheques to open between 9:30 p.m.
and 2 a.m. during the fasting month.

City administration secretary Mambang Mit said on Tuesday a
government-sanctioned team would monitor the implementation of
the policy.

"The team will control and supervise nightclubs and red-light
districts. We won't hesitate to take legal action against those
who violate the regulation," he told The Jakarta Post.

The secretary of the Barelang Entertainment Service
Association, Ady Layla, said the industry had no choice but to
accept the decision. -- JP