Police Ready to Act On Violators of Dolly Closure

Surabaya, E Java (Antara) - The Surabaya city police will take action against those involved in prostitution in the recently closed Dolly and Jarak red-light districts. The city police provided full support to the closure of Indonesia's largest prostitution area, spokesperson of the Surabaya city police Comsr. Suparti said here on Thursday. "Admittedly, a certain group of people are opposed to the closure. We will continue to supervise and pacify the area to the best of our ability. As state officers, we will not be hostile toward the people and will always uphold the regulation," she announced at a press conference at the Surabaya city administration's public relations office. If they are still involved in prostitution, the police will charge them with articles 296 and 506, which carry a maximum sentence of one year and four months, she affirmed. The Dolly red-light district was permanently closed on Wednesday night (June 18). The closure 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 were affected by the decision. (*) Reported by Abdul Hakim