West Jakarta City Government Probing Allegations of Child Prostitution in Lokasari, Tamansari
West Jakarta City Government, through the Office of Empowerment, Protection of Women and Children, and Population Control (Suku Dinas Pemberdayaan, Perlindungan Anak, dan Pengendalian Penduduk - Sudin PPAPP) and the Office of Social Affairs, is giving serious attention to allegations of child prostitution in the Lokasari area, Tamansari.
Acting Head Rizky Hamid of Sudin PPAPP Jakarta Barat said the department is currently examining information related to alleged exploitation and child prostitution, including rumours that circulated on social media.
‘Protection of women and children is a shared responsibility requiring cross‑sector synergy, from government, law enforcement agencies, society, families, to digital platforms,’ Rizky said when contacted on Wednesday, 20 May.
Rizky emphasised that the primary focus of the agency is to pursue prevention through education and strengthened community‑based oversight. In addition, intensive support will be provided to women and children who are victims of violence or exploitation.
He underlined that in such cases, children must be positioned as victims with full protection rights.
‘If indications of involvement of children in prostitution or human trafficking are found, children must be regarded as victims who deserve protection, psychosocial recovery, legal advocacy, and rehabilitation,’ he asserted.
Currently, Sudin PPAPP Jakbar has coordinated with law enforcement and child protection networks to ensure handling is swift, integrated, and focused on the best interests of the child.
In line with this, Fajar Laksono, Head of Sudin Sosial Jakarta Barat, explained that his department is ready to perform its functions in services, accompaniment, and social rehabilitation.
‘If it is found that a child has become a victim of exploitation, Sudin Sosial Jakbar will coordinate with Polres Metro Jakarta Barat, Dinas PPAPP, Satpol PP, and other relevant parties to support protection rights, recovery, and the legal process,’ Fajar stated.
The public is urged not to disseminate victims’ identities and to report suspected violence or exploitation to the authorities.
Beyond enforcement, the West Jakarta City Government also emphasises the importance of digital literacy among the public so that the potential for child exploitation can be detected and prevented early in their own communities.