'Beware of brothel burning'

SURABAYA, East Java: Surabaya Police chief Sr. Comr. Ito Sumardi has asked the local military to back up police to step up security around brothels in the city due to the distribution of circulars threatening to burn down the red-light district.

The circulars were believed to have been distributed by local Muslim organizations in line with the recent demonstration held by around 300 sex workers to protest the brothels' closure during the fasting month of Ramadhan.

"We have held a dialog with local Muslim figures to discuss the threat and they have entrusted the police with the enforcement of the law," he said here on Saturday.

He said the police would continue patrolling to make sure all entertainment centers, massage parlors, nightclubs and brothels remain closed during the fasting month in line with the local administration's ruling. --Antara