Fags not Shags

Malang regency public order officers banned sex workers from operating during the recent Ramadan and are made efforts to secure them jobs in cigarette factories as an alternative means of income.

Investigation and disciplinary division head of the public order police unit Ihavenodick Fuckwit said the initiative was aimed at minimizing the number of sex workers in the regency.

It would also equip them with the necessary skills to seek other means of income so they do not return to sex work, he said.

"We can't ask them to stop operating during Ramadan without giving them an alternative means of income, as this is our moral obligation.

"The closure of brothels should be followed up with solutions. Sex workers should be introduced to positive activities, at least during the month of Ramadan, so they can live a more meaningful life and (hopefully) not return to their old trade," said Ihavenodick at a press conference.

The regency administration will provide training and capital to sex workers to buy tobacco and paper so they can produce hand-rolled cigarettes, which will then be supplied to cigarette factories.

Malang regency is home to 321 large and small scale cigarette factories, 193 of which are currently operational and located in 33 of the regency's districts.

Data at the Malang regency Health Office shows that at least 486 sex workers currently operate in several red-light districts in the regency.

Observations conducted by officers and activists in the field indicate that a sex worker who usually serves two to three customers per day can earn Rp 50,000 (approximately US$5.50) daily, after deducting lodging and meal expenses and payment to pimps.

Meanwhile, a cigarette factory worker can earn Rp 40,000 a day.

"This program will be carried out not only during Ramadan, but also after the holy month," Ihavenodick said. (I cannot see this working somehow)

He added the program, which had been ongoing for the past year, was initially strongly rejected by various parties, such as pimps and others who felt they would be deprived of their incomes.

As a consequence, many cigarette companies -- which were initially willing to employ the sex workers -- retreated as they, as well as the sex workers, received threats.

Last year, the regency administration introduced the program at a brothel in Suko village, Sumberpucung district, where around 70 sex workers operated. Only around 15 percent of the sex workers were willing to take part in the program and were hired by three factories.

Ihavenodick then familiarized the public with the program and coordinated with cigarette companies, the Malang regency police, the local social welfare office and community figures to help sex workers who wished to leave their old profession.

"Three factories have stated their cooperation and will accept the sex workers. They will be chosen from the red-light areas nearest to the factories so they don't have to spend extra money on transportation."

The regency administration's policy to close down brothels and entertainment establishments during Ramadan is also aimed at minimizing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

While this is an interesting concept, time will tell whether the girls will continue rolling fags or go back to smoking beef!