"The central government has continued cooperating with local governments in the effort to close red light districts, and by 2019 it is expected that no red light district is left," Khofifah Indar Parawansa said.
Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA News) - Indonesia would be free of red light districts by 2019 following their closures in the past few years, Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa said here Thursday.

"The central government has continued cooperating with local governments in the effort to close red light districts, and by 2019 it is expected that no red light district is left," she said.

Based on her ministrys data the number of red light districts in Indonesia total 168, but after 68 of them were closed 99 remain.

East Java province initially had the most red light districts reaching 41 but since the end of 2015 the number had dropped to only one which is Balung Cangkring, Mojokerto, after 40 of them were closed, he said.

"Mojokerto has even sent a letter regarding its preparation to close the remaining red light district before the next fasting month of Ramadhan this year. With its closure later, East Java will be totally free of red light districts," she said.

The head of the Tangerang district in Banten province has also planned to close its red light district before Ramadhan, she said.

Khofifah who is also the general chairperson of the womens wing of the countrys largest Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) said the second biggest number of red light districts was found in East Kalimantan totaling 35, including 12 in the district of Kutai Kartanegara.

"The governor of East Kalimantan and all district heads of the province have declared their intention to close red light districts in their regions. Two red light districts in Kutai Kartanegara are planned to be closed before Ramadhan," she said.

The success of the effort to close the red light districts would depend upon the strong commitment and strength of a leader, Minister Khofifah said.

The red light district in Balung Cangkringan would be closed before June, 2016, East Java governor admitted.

"I still owe one to the minister which is the red light district in Mojokerto. Before Ramadhan it will have to be closed," he said.

Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini has successfully closed the biggest red light district in the city and Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama has also recently successfully closed the Kalijodo red light district.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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