Dirty dealings in Kemang

From Republika

Rampant prostitution and other sordid practices in Kemang are a source of deep concern to all of us.

During the day, the South Jakarta suburb is just like any respectable area. When night falls, however, prostitutes are outselling their bodies. Pounding music blares from the discotheques in the area and nobody seems brave enough to protest. Worst of all, drug trafficking is an open secret.

Most alarming is that the nightlife in Kemang has encroached upon Bangka, known as a place of santri students of traditional Moslem schools. According to a reliable source, several houses adjacent to al-Hikmah Moslem school in the Bangka area have been rented by prostitutes. This is disastrous and could ruin lives.

I believe many people are concerned, but the problem is that they do not know what to do.

I greatly appreciate what the police and the military police have done with their periodic raids. I also think highly of the "intention" of the Jakarta administration to put this area in order. However, if the government does not decide to close down these brothels and eradicate for good the prostitution business, the police and the military police's action will have been useless.

Through this letter, I call on all Moslems in Jakarta to devote their attention to Kemang. Wake up, everybody. Unite in opinion and the steps to end the prostitution. I also appeal to the media to conduct major reports on the nightlife in Kemang and expose everything about it despite the temptation of money.

M. FATHONI

Cimanggis, Bogor