Governor apologizes for "Dolly"

Surabaya, NU Online
Governor of East Java Soekarwo said that he felt uncomfortable and embarrassed in regard with the existence of a prostitution center in Dolly, one of the largest prostitution centers in South East Asia.

Soekarwo made the remarks on the sidelines of a fast breaking gathering held by the Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Board (PWNU) of East Java here on Thursday (24/8), adding that he did apologize for meeting difficuties in shutting down all prostitution centers in the province.

He said that the Dolly prostitution conplex expectedly be closed and relocated from the City of Heroes, adding that he had met difficulties to close the complex because of the administrative unit (RW) in the area.

Soekarwo said the profession of the administrative unit chairman as a pimp in the area was one the the difficulties he met.

The governor also called on all religious social organizations like NU and Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ulema Council of East Java to keep themselves by faith, beliefs and piety in facing the prostitutes.

As reported, the East Java authorities have recently targeted to close every prostitution center in the area by 2016.

Deputy governor Saifullah Yusuf who is also present at the occasion said the authorities would first focus on closing down small-size centers.

He added that the government was preparing training programs and cash to be used by the prostitutes so they could switch to other professions.

“We have prepared Rp 2.5 billion for training and capital channeling,” Saifullah said. Authorities are to demand the neighborhood authorities monitor and forbid new prostitution centers in their areas.

Saifullah said the number of those contracting HIV /AIDS in East Java was increasing.

Currently, East Java province has the third-largest number of HIV infections after Jakarta and West Java. The number of those with HIV infections is currently predicted at 3,500. Province secretary Rasiyo said authorities previously attempted to close Dolly, one of the largest prostitution centers.“This is not possible yet, however, because many residents’ livelihoods depend on work there,” Rasiyo said. “But we should stop the small ones immediately.”

He said around 1,278 prostitutes made a living at Dolly. Residents in the area also have jobs in parking services, and room and stall rent. (sbh)