Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has released data on the distribution of commercial sex worker locations across provinces in Indonesia. According to a 2024 survey, 15 provinces have the highest number of sex worker locations, with West Java leading the list.
West Java recorded the highest number of sex worker locations nationwide, with 79 villages or urban wards across 19 regencies and cities identified as hubs for sex work, according to BPS data.
Isti Larasati, head of the Social Statistics Team at BPS West Java, explained that the data was gathered through a village potential survey conducted by field officers. “We asked local village officials whether there were sex worker locations in their areas, whether managed individually or collectively,” she said at a press conference in Bandung, as reported by Antara on Wednesday (February 12, 2024).
The report found that Bekasi Regency had the highest number of locations in West Java, with 17 identified sites, followed by Indramayu Regency with 13 and Subang Regency with seven. Other significant areas included:
- Cirebon, Karawang, and Bandung City – 6 locations each
- Sumedang Regency – 5 locations
- Bandung Regency and Bekasi City – 3 locations each
- Bogor, Garut, and Majalengka Regencies – 2 locations each
- Cianjur, Kuningan, Purwakarta, West Bandung, Pangandaran, Cirebon City, and Tasikmalaya City – 1 location each
Top 15 Provinces with the Highest Sex Worker Locations
In addition to West Java, BPS recorded commercial sex worker locations in other provinces in Indonesia. The 15 provinces with the most reported locations are:
- West Java – 79 locations
- East Java – 70 locations
- Central Java – 55 locations
- North Sumatra – 37 locations
- East Kalimantan – 28 locations
- South Sumatra – 28 locations
- West Kalimantan – 25 locations
- Riau – 25 locations
- Banten – 21 locations
- North Maluku – 18 locations
- Central Sulawesi – 18 locations
- Central Kalimantan – 17 locations
- Lampung – 16 locations
- Riau Islands – 14 locations
- West Sumatra – 13 locations
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Factors Drive Sex Work Presence
Isti noted that economic hardship is one of the primary factors contributing to the presence of sex worker locations in these areas. However, BPS did not conduct an in-depth study on the root causes of the prevalence of sex work.
“We only recorded the existence of sex worker locations without analyzing the reasons behind them. However, economic conditions, education levels, and high mobility in certain areas are likely contributing factors,” she explained.
Policy Implications and Strategic Measures
The data highlights the need for strategic interventions by policymakers. Economic empowerment programs and educational initiatives in areas with high numbers of CSWs could serve as long-term solutions to reduce sex work and improve community welfare.
BPS’s findings provide a crucial foundation for local governments to design more effective policies addressing social issues related to the spread of sex work in Indonesia.
(Raidi/Agung)
