Antara, Jakarta – Residents of Semper Timur, North Jakarta, urged the provincial government to shut down the prostitution complex near the Rawa Malang City Forest, Cilincing. Its existence is deemed to present a negative influence, moreover, there is a recent case of alleged sexual abuse against a girl committed by four children in the area earlier this month.
"It should be completely closed, without exception, especially in a situation like this," said Syarifudin, the head of the community unit, or RW 10, of Semper Timur on Thursday, September 22, as quoted from Antara.
Syarifudin said the prostitution complex sparked worries among residents as it is located near the Rawa Malang Forest City, North Jakarta, which is less than one kilometer. Residents also need to take extra care of their children, especially at night.
"We are worried that there will be a psychological impact for children who see this situation. [The brothel] is not visible from the outside during the day as it looks like an ordinary house complex. But at night they accept guests, and the music is loud," Syarifudin explained.
The alleged case of four children sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl occurred in the city forest when the victim was on the way home from school on September 1, 2022.
The Women Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry's Assistance Unit for Women and Children (SAPA) in tandem with the Jakarta Integrated Care Center for the Empowerment of Women and Children (P2TP2A) provided assistance to the victim of sexual abuse. Four underage suspects are also detained in the social welfare management agency (LPKS) Handayani Jakarta.