Prostitutes hard to control

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The provincial government is fighting a losing war against prostitution and drug trafficking, according to Governor Herman Musakabe.

He called on men recently to stay away from red-light districts so the flesh trade will go bankrupt.

"It is impossible to root out prostitution as long as men don't kick the habit of frequenting brothels," he said.

The local social service office has registered 500 prostitutes throughout the province but observers say the actual number could be twice as high.

Kupang, whose administrative status has just been promoted from township to municipality, also faces another urban crime; drug trafficking.

A source at the city police headquarters said the capital is one of the largest heroin and marijuana markets in eastern Indonesia. (yac)