Boredom and brand names motivate Blok M prostitutes

JAKARTA (JP): It seems that discussing sex in public is no longer considered taboo here. The subject is a hot topic not only for some TV talk shows but also in seminars.

But not in schools.

"Our current education system has yet to accommodate sex in its curriculum... only a handful of schools have begun to teach the specifics about reproduction," said Syamsu Rizal Djauzi, vice director of the Pelita Ilmu Foundation which works on disseminating information about AIDS.

"Some teenagers don't even know that once they start menstruating, they produce ovum and can get pregnant."

They are forced to look for explanations and quick solutions their sexual urges and related dilemmas in their informal environment, such as from friends, according to Syamsu.

Inadequate or improper information is dangerous if they experiment sexually; it could result in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, pregnancy or abortion.

Niniek L. Karim of the School of Psychology at the University of Indonesia also underlined the need for sex education to be part of the curriculum.

High school teachers should give proper counseling to students about the release of sexual tension, she said.

Normally, high school teachers shoo away students who approach them with questions on sexual subjects, she said. Students are left with no alternatives but to resort to seeking advice from their peers and others in their surroundings.

"If particular friends of the students are open to sex, then there is a big chance that they will be sold on talk of fun and release of sexual tension."

Niniek acknowledged that teenagers resorting to prostitution was a growing phenomenon.

"They no longer are found in specific areas alone. They are everywhere... from malls, food courts to streets."

She pointed out that tradition, society and mass media played major roles in directing kids toward promiscuous sex.

In traditional dances, like the ronggeng from Surabaya, East Java, and tayuban from West Java, the young dancing girls are sometimes offered to the audience at the end of the performance, she said.

But sex is not something to talk about in the family.

"Our society is still a closed one when it comes to parents discussing sex openly with the children."

She called on parents to become more open in discussing the facts of life with their children.

Syamsu said there were several non-governmental organizations like Sahabat Remaja (Friends of Teens) and hotlines, including the AIDS hotline, which could be contacted for information on sex, STDs and abortion.

"They will even explain to you what is and is not allowed sexually during dating," he said.

The AIDS hotline number is 829-5663, and Sahabat Remaja can be contacted at 722-2276. (46/ylt)