Illegal Prostitution In West Jakarta: RTH Tubagus Angke Problems That Continue To Repeat

Illustration of green open space in Jakarta/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - The practice of illegal prostitution in Jakarta is again in the spotlight, especially in the Green Open Space (RTH) located on Jalan Tubagus Angke, Wijaya Kusuma, Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta. The place, which is supposed to be a green area for the community, has instead turned into a location for commercial sex workers (PSK) operation that takes advantage of the darkness.

The head of the West Jakarta Civil Service Police Unit (Kasatpol PP), Agus Irwanto, revealed that the poor lighting along the green open space was caused by the intentional actions of certain parties who broke the lighting. The goal is clear, to use the area for illegal prostitution activities that officers find difficult to monitor.

"The turn off of the lighting at RTH Tubagus Angke was deliberately broken by certain parties who wanted to use the place with negative things," said Agus, Wednesday, March 12.

Agus explained that his party would propose to the Bina Marga Sub-Department that the lighting along the green open space be repaired and added protection so that it would not be easily damaged. In addition, he also proposed the use of firing lights whose lights were not blocked by trees inside the green open space.

"Well, of course, we evaluate it with the form of a lamp that may have a safety. Then, it could also be with a firing light, so that the lights are not blocked by the trees in the green open space," explained Agus.

In addition to improving lighting, Agus also asked the West Jakarta City Parks and Forests Sub-dept. (Sudin Tamhut) to cover or trim trees in the area. That way, the area is not too dark and can reduce the possibility of emergency tents built by prostitutes at night.

There is also a need for feedback and tree planting that does not cover lighting. If the dark area continues, of course the potential for misuse will continue to exist," he added.

The Recurrence Of The Prostitutes Raid

On the evening of Tuesday, March 11, the West Jakarta Satpol PP conducted a raid on RTH Tubagus Angke and found a number of prostitutes waiting for customers. Some of the prostitutes who were caught even cried hysterically and tried to escape from the control, but were still successfully secured by officers and then taken to the local Social Service.

This RTH Tubagus Angke had previously gone viral in mid-2024 after finding condoms or contraceptives scattered along the green area. Although it has been brought under control several times, the practice of illegal prostitution in that place seems to have never really disappeared.

Efforts to take action and improve infrastructure need to be taken seriously and sustainably so that the green area returns to its true function.