After shutting down the popular Surabaya red-light district Gang Dolly in June, authorities have ordered two red-light districts in Sumatra, in western Indonesia, to close by next month. The decision comes despite strong protest from local residents, but religious leaders have backed the move, the Jakarta Globe reported. The city's assistant on government affairs, Mr Yan Ismar, said on Monday that the prostitution areas in Payo Sigadung and Langit Biru must be shut down by Oct 13, "as stipulated in the bylaw forbidding prostitution in the city of Jambi".
He said this at a meeting with residents in areas near the red light districts, adding that the decision was "irrevocable".
A regional bylaw on the eradication of prostitution and sexual misconduct was passed by the administration in February, the report said. Mr Sapri, 40, a local cafe owner, said four of 18 sex workers in his establishment had returned home and 14 others would do so before the area shuts down for good.
Mr Saipul, one of the protesters, claimed the shutdown was not fair, as it focused only on two prostitution areas. He alleged that more discreet locations, such as entertainment establishments, beauty salons and rented housings, will remain operational. He asked: "Why is it that only the Payo Sigadung and Langit Biru areas are being shut down, while prostitution in hotels, rented housings and entertainment places don't get the same treatment?
Another protester, year-old Jefri, said they will continue to protest until their demands are met. Hundreds of local residents are planning to set up tents in front of local administration's offices if their demands are not met, the report said. Mr Yan said the city council and the city administration had informed the public of the shutdown a long time ago and there was no reason to call it off.
