No sex tourism in Bali: Joop

DENPASAR, Bali: The island of Bali should not be developed into a hot spot for sex tourism, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave warned.

The beauty of the resort island provided enough attractions for tourists and there was no need to lure them with sexual services, Joop said here Saturday.

"Sex tourism is against the Balinese way of life," Joop told Udayana University students, as quoted by Antara.

He said the government strongly opposed the promotion of sex tourism.

Local authorities cracked down last month on a high-class brothel called Bali Planet, allegedly owned by the notorious Hartono who was convicted in 1994 for pimping.

"Tourism in Bali has been developed in accordance with Hindu principles," Joop said. (prb)