Illegal brothels demolished

JAKARTA (JP): Fifty illegal brothels along the Kosambi sub- district's riverbanks were demolished by police, military and public order officials Tuesday.

The demolition surprised the prostitutes and their pimps because it was done without warning.

The action came after local residents opposed the to brothels made a rash of complaints.

The 50 brothels on a 5,000 square meter plot owned by PT Perum Angkasa Pura II housed 250 prostitutes.

The prostitution complex has been pulled down five times but because of a lack of control the complex was always rebuilt by unidentified people reportedly backed by powerful officials.

"But this time around we really meant business by demolishing the brothels. We are determined to take harsh action against those attempting to rebuild it, whoever and whatever they are," Tangerang public order office head Ari Permana, said. (27/bas)