Officials plan to close Kalijodo

JAKARTA: In light of Saturday's arson in the Kalijodo prostitution complex in North Jakarta, city administration officials have announced plans to shut down the red-light district soon.

Governor Sutiyoso said on Monday that Kalijodo was notorious as a den of illegal prostitution.

"It has caused many problems. We have asked the police and public order officials to restore security to the area. But we have been opposed by the National Commission for Human Rights, as the action would affect people's rights to earn money," he said.

City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said that the police and administration only seek to improve the quality of life at the complex.

"We will only help to rehabilitate the complex and change its image -- as we did to Kramat Tunggak," he said.

Anton was referring to brothels in the Kramat Tunggak district in North Jakarta, which were closed down by the administration in December 1999, and turned into an Islamic center.

He added that residents could return home as the police have ensured the security.

Police have arrested 44 people for illegal possession of weapons and firearms during the Saturday incident, and tightened security.

Anton said that two units of police officers have been dispatched to prevent more fighting. "Their task is to clear all weapons from the area."

Forty-three suspects were charged with the Emergency Law No. 12 1951, for illegal possession of firearms and other weapons, while one man was charged with the Criminal Code No. 351, for attacking a police officer.

The fighting claimed the life of one man, Daeng Subuh, 65, and left one police officer, Second Brig. Ronald, injured. In all, police seized 200 knives, daggers, arrows, molotov cocktails, and two guns from the men.

A total of 26 houses were burned down after two groups of men became involved in a brawl. -- JP