Students into prostitution

YOGYAKARTA: Police have said the number of prostitutes, among them female students, has continued to rise since the economic crisis hit Indonesia in 1997, despite decreasing clients.

Sleman Police chief Col. Bambang Purnomo said on Saturday they had increased their raids, especially in the Sleman regency.

"Only last night (Friday) we arrested 59 prostitutes, many of whom claimed they were also students at various universities in Yogyakarta," he said.

He said most of the young women said they were involved in the activity to meet their way their school costs.

The Friday raids by Sleman police were conducted in Dengung, Jombor, Godean, Gajah Wong, Janti and Babarsari. Police also arrested three procurers, identified as Ery, Darsono and Ning. (44)