Protest against brothel relocation

Protest against brothel relocation

From Pelita

The people of Rawa Malang in North Jakarta have reportedly
lodged a protest against a government plan to relocate a brothel
in Kramat Tunggak to their village. These people would feel
deeply insulted if the Jakarta administration does not heed their
voice. It would also contradict President Soeharto's appeal that
power holders should not insult the people.

So the deputy governor in charge of people's welfare, Dr. H.
Djaelani, was right to say that the brothel relocation plan
should take into account various aspects. Remember that Jakarta
has a motto: Teguh beriman (have a firm faith) -- a slogan which
serves as a fundamental basis of morality. The deputy governor
(who is an indigenous Jakartan) hinted at the importance of
abolishing prostitution and that relocations should be carried
out without resulting in social unrest. I happily welcome this
attitude of the deputy governor.

In fact, in a seminar the Moslem Council of Ulemas called for
the abolishment of brothel locations. This call has been realized
in Klaten, Central Java. The people there can now live without
being disturbed by this dirty trade. Security personnel have also
raided a number of brothels in the wake of the council's call.

The area of Rawa Malang in Jakarta has every reason and right
to call for the same thing, and the people's voice should never
fall on deaf ears.

ABQORIYAH MAHMUDAH

Jakarta