Election Commision Insistent on Holding Presidential Poll in Dolly Ex-Brothel

Surabaya, E Java (Antara) - The East Java General Elections Commission (KPU) insists on holding a presidential poll in the recently closed Dolly red light district despite protests from local election officers against the closure of Indonesia's biggest brothel. "As a former commissioner of the KPU Surabaya, I had the same experience at Wiyung and Perak. But, I will coordinate with the commissioners of the KPU Surabaya to find a solution to hold the poll in the Dolly area," Chief of the East Java KPU Eko Sasmito noted here on Monday. Wiyung residents had refused to become officers of the polling station in the Surabaya mayor election in 2010 due to a conflict with the city administration, Sasmito remarked. "As a result, the KPU Surabaya set up a polling station in front of the village head's office. However, the local residents protested against our action and referred the case to the constitutional court. The court later recommended a repeat election," he added. The Dolly red light area was permanently closed on Wednesday night (June 18). The closure of Dolly red light area was marked by a gathering held at the Islamic Center building in Surabaya city and was attended by Social Minister Salim Segaf Al Jufri, East Java's Governor Soekarwo, Surabaya's Mayor Tri Rismaharini, Surabaya's Chief of Police, members of the regional legislative council, Ulema, prostitutes, and people living around the Dolly area. Following the closure of Dolly area, related authorities such as the Social Ministry and government of East Java province gave a total compensation of Rp1.5 billion to Dolly's prostitutes and the people who will be affected by the decision. (*)