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