Pimps told to pack it up

BANDAR LAMPUNG, South Sumatra: Five pimps protested at the governor's decision to bar their trade in the city, saying that their operation was legal as long as it was confined within the designated zone.

The five men, however, were told by the provincial secretary Umar Hasan that the local government could not tolerate their presence anymore.

The pimps argued that the closure of their brothels would not only put their girls -- who are mostly from poor families -- out of business but also other businesses which operate nearby, the Antara news agency reported.

Umar said they should simply look for other jobs. (arf)