Red-light district to be relocated soon
JAKARTA (JP): The red-light district in Kramat Tunggak, North Jakarta, will be relocated early next year, possibly to Rawamalang, Cilincing, in the city's east, an official said yesterday.
"Actually, the municipality had planned to move the prostitution hub after the May general election but it was delayed for some reasons," Soenarjudardji, an assistant to the welfare affairs secretary, said.
He refused to elaborate on the reasons for the hold-up but about 2,000 prostitutes and 250 pimps operating in 270 houses in the area will be forced to leave, he said.
The municipality plans to develop the 11-hectare plot of land into an industrial area.
"There is no way they can stay there because their existence has disturbed people who live in the area."
He said relocation was imminent, adding that Rawamalang had been chosen as the most suitable site because it was located far away from residential complexes and was unlikely to disturb locals.
"At the new location, prostitutes will not be allowed to immediately start operating again," he said. "They will be asked to enter a rehabilitation program first, like the one we held for prostitutes from the Boker red-light area in East Jakarta."
Soenarjudardji said that the municipality will try its best to make the program pertinent.
"At least we have to try to minimize prostitution activities," he said. "The only way is to put them through a rehabilitation program."
Governor Sutiyoso said Wednesday that plans to relocate Kramat Tunggak were still being studied.
"I'm discussing it with my officials to make a decision based on what is best for the people," he said.
Soeparmo, the head of Commission E for welfare affairs told The Jakarta Post that there is no need to fast-track the relocation of Kramat Tunggak.
"We are moving human beings, therefore, the municipality should think carefully about the whole plan. If there is a rehabilitation program, the city must be sure that the program really works.
"Don't just move them without preparations," he said. "It's the same as moving problems around but not solving them."
There are no places in the world that are free from prostitution and it is no different here, he added.
In the past, Jakarta had certain prostitution spots, such as Galur and Tanah Tinggi in Central Jakarta, and Kali Jodo and Pasar Rebo in East Jakarta, Soeparmo said.
"That is why if the municipality tries to relocate them, there should be a good rehabilitation program to support it. Otherwise, they will move to another place and start operating again." (07)