Surabaya women flirt with sex toys for safe sex: Study

Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya

Amelia, not her real name, has been on her own for several years, since her husband left her, but since she discovered vibrators she has not been quite so lonely.

"I am embarrassed to do this, but it is much safer than a gigolo," said Amelia, a boutique owner.

Amelia, who has been using the sexual aid since last year, said she had told only her closest friend about her lifestyle secret. She said she was introduced to vibrators by her friend, who purchased hers in Singapore.

"I know this is religiously prohibited but I do not have a choice," said Amelia, 30, who is thought to be one of many women in Surabaya who have turned to sexual aids.

There is the perception that only "mature" women purchase sexual aids. However, a recent study by August 17 University in Surabaya found that women of all ages, including high school students, use them.

In the study, which was conducted between April 10 and June 4, researchers interviewed 27 women, including four high school students, who use sexual aids.

"The students use the sex toys for fun. They learned about the toys from friends," said Yanti, one of the researchers. Yanti said the students used the sexual aids because they did not want to risk pregnancy by engaging in sexual relations.

The first sex shop opened in Surabaya in 2000 and there are now at least 10 such shops located throughout the city in malls and markets.

Muin, who owns a sex shop in the Rungkut area, said more and more people were coming to his shop for sexual aids.

"Most of the buyers are women over the age of 35," said Muin, adding that his monthly profit was usually about Rp 1 million (US$104).

Some men come to the shop, Muin said, mostly businessmen who are too busy to have sex with their partners.

Muin said selling sexual aids embarrassed him, but the money was too good to ignore.

"Selling these toys brings in extra income," said Muin, who also sells Chinese herbs that enhance sexual performance.

"Lost of buyers are too embarrassed to come to the shop so they call us up and we deliver their purchases via courier," said Muin, who has been selling sexual aids since 2003.

Most of the buyers hear about the shop through word of mouth.

Prices vary, with manual vibrators costing between Rp 145,000 and Rp 175,000 and electric vibrators between Rp 140,000 and Rp 150,000.