Surabaya women flirt with sex toys for safe sex: Study

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.