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