Hostels' lucrative trade dries up

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Many initially applauded the removal of streetwalkers from the Baturaden tourist resort a fortnight ago, but now the owners of hundreds of nearby hostels complain they are going bankrupt because no one is using their facilities anymore.

Unabashedly, the owners of some 150 non-star (Melati-class) hotels admit the presence of prostitutes in the area has helped keep their small lodgings full.

One of the owners, Eddy, 45, confessed that even though his small hostel only had 10 rooms, he could receive 20 guests a day.

Most of the guests booked the rooms for "short time" periods of about three hours and were charged about Rp 15,000.

"No one is coming these days," he told The Jakarta Post, adding that business has plummeted over the past two weeks.

"I know this is a forbidden (trade) but how are we supposed to fill our stomachs."

Authorities raided the area two weeks ago arresting 200 women suspected of prostitution and 13 men for pimping. (45)