Prostitution in Green Coast Tiban Centre, Sekupang, Batam, Causes Concern Among Residents

Prostitution activities suspected to be occurring in the Green Coast area, specifically around Tiban Centre in Sekupang Subdistrict, Batam, have sparked concern among local residents. Based on observations by Media Indonesia on Sunday (29/3) and statements from residents, the activities are said to have been ongoing for quite some time and have become increasingly overt in recent months. At night, several individuals suspected of offering services are often seen at specific points in the area, including locations near main road access and community activity centres. Residents view the situation as not only disrupting public order but also creating a sense of insecurity, particularly for families living nearby. “We are very worried, especially since this is close to residential areas, businesses, and educational zones. We’re afraid it will have a bad impact on children and teenagers,” said Ramiyati, 45, one of the residents. Concerns among the community are heightened given the location’s proximity to Batam Tourism Polytechnic. The closeness to an educational environment is seen as potentially exerting a negative influence on students and young people in the surrounding area. Local youth figure Afrijal emphasised that the situation requires serious attention from all parties. According to him, allowing such activities to continue could damage the area’s image and lower the social quality of the community. “This is very concerning because the location is near the campus and residential areas. We worry that this could tarnish the area’s reputation and affect the younger generation. It shouldn’t be treated as something normal,” he said. He also added that active community involvement is essential, but it requires full support from law enforcement and local government for more effective and sustainable handling. In addition to social impacts, residents associate the prostitution activities with the potential increase in criminal acts, such as the circulation of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and thuggery in the vicinity. This further strengthens community concerns about their environmental security. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of Batam City, Lukman Rifai, stated that his organisation will promptly follow up on the reports circulating in the community. He affirmed that MUI will not remain silent on issues that could damage morals and social order. “I am currently in my hometown. We will soon investigate and coordinate with the police to follow up on this report. We hope for firm steps so that this situation does not drag on,” he said. According to him, in addition to enforcement, preventive approaches and guidance are also needed to resolve social problems like this from their root causes. Residents and local community figures are urging regular security patrols and cross-agency coordination to close loopholes for prostitution practices in the region. They hope the measures taken are not merely temporary but sustainable and comprehensive. As of this report, the community is still awaiting concrete responses from the local government and law enforcement. Residents hope that the Green Coast area and its surroundings can return to being a safe, comfortable, and conducive environment for all segments of society.