Batam against foreign prostitutes

Batam against foreign prostitutes

BATAM, Riau: Councillors in Batam urged the city
administration to take tough action against hotels and nightclubs
that employ foreign prostitutes, as the industrialized island
faces a rising threat of HIV/AIDS.

"We ask the government, in this case the police and the Batam
immigration office, to take firm action against owners of hotels
and nightclubs that take advantage of foreign prostitutes
operating in these areas," said Batam council head Taba Iskandar
on Monday.

Dozens of prostitutes, allegedly from China and Thailand, have
arrived in Batam on tourists visas to find work here, charging
their clients Singapore dollar rates.

Prostitution is growing, thanks to Batam's vibrant economy as
an industrial island attracting foreign and domestic investments.

Located just 15 minutes away from Singapore, Batam is
frequented by Singaporean investors but is also home to migrants
from all over Indonesia.

The island is also coping with an increased threat of
HIV/AIDS, as illegal prostitution flourishes without adequate
health protection. -- Antara