Prostitution Concerns Rise Near Indonesia‘s New Capital City, Nusantara
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JAKARTA – Indonesia’s enterprising new capital city project, Nusantara, is facing unexpected social challenges as reports emerge of increased commercial sex work in the surrounding area. The burgeoning construction site and influx of workers have created conditions that authorities are now grappling with, raising concerns about exploitation and public health.
The Emergence of a Red-light Zone
Nusantara Capital City, located in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, has become a destination for sex workers seeking higher earnings than those available in nearby cities.A 25-year-old sex worker, identified as Sari, stated she now primarily seeks clients in Nusantara, shifting from previous work in Balikpapan and Samarinda.She attributes this change to increased demand and higher rates offered in the new capital region.
According to Sari, the majority of her clients are construction workers involved in building government facilities and essential infrastructure. There are also civil servants who stop by,
she told Tempo magazine in its August 11-17, 2025 edition. The peak of her earnings, reaching Rp20 million monthly, coincided with the height of construction activity leading up to Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17, 2024.
Did You Know? Indonesia’s decision to relocate its capital from Jakarta to Nusantara is driven by a need to alleviate overcrowding and environmental pressures in Jakarta, and also to distribute economic progress more evenly across the archipelago [[1]].
Operational Dynamics and Online Platforms
Prostitution in the Nusantara area operates around the clock, with sex workers receiving clients during work hours and late into the night, often at hotels on the outskirts of the government center. The MiChat application has become a primary tool for facilitating transactions, with workers advertising services, photos, and locations. Initial rates begin at Rp300,000.
However, recent slowdowns in construction have impacted business. Sari reports a decrease in clients, now serving a maximum of four compared to ten during peak periods, as the capital relocation project faces evolving priorities.
Official Response and Internal Concerns
Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the IKN authority, publicly denied widespread prostitution in the area, stating, That’s not in IKN, but in Sepaku.
This statement was made on july 8, 2025, at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta.However, sources within Tempo magazine revealed that Hadimuljono, a former Minister of Public Works and Housing, privately expressed concern over the growing sex trade.
In mid-july 2025, the IKN Authority convened a meeting with the Association of Sepaku Inn Entrepreneurs, attended by 40 inn owners. The meeting, led by Deputy of Development Control Thomas Umbu Pati and Deputy of Social Affairs Alimuddin, focused on addressing the spread of prostitution. Pujiyana Hugo, owner of Puncak IKN Inn, reported that inn owners were instructed to implement stricter guest rules and install surveillance cameras.
Pro Tip: Understanding the socio-economic factors driving this issue is crucial for developing effective and lasting solutions.
Some inn owners voiced concerns that these regulations could negatively impact their businesses, arguing that sex workers and their clients contribute to revenue, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the capital relocation project’s continuation.
Key Developments Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 17, 2024 | Peak construction activity prior to Indonesia’s Independence Day. |
| July 8, 2025 | Basuki Hadimuljono denies widespread prostitution in IKN. |
| Mid-July 2025 | IKN Authority meets with Sepaku Inn Entrepreneurs to discuss prostitution. |
| July 31, 2025 | Pujiyana Hugo reports inn owners instructed to implement stricter rules. |
What long-term strategies can be implemented to address the root causes of this issue and protect vulnerable workers?
How will the IKN Authority balance economic development with social responsibility in the new capital city?
The rise of prostitution near nusantara reflects broader challenges associated with rapid urbanization and large-scale infrastructure projects in developing nations. These projects frequently enough attract a transient workforce, creating vulnerabilities to exploitation and trafficking. Effective mitigation strategies require a multi-faceted approach, including robust law enforcement, social support services, and economic opportunities for vulnerable populations. The Indonesian government’s commitment to sustainable development will be tested by its ability to address these complex social issues alongside its ambitious infrastructure goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Prostitution in nusantara
- What is driving the increase in prostitution near Nusantara? The increase is primarily driven by the influx of construction workers and the higher rates offered for sexual services in the area.
- what is the IKN Authority’s official stance on the issue? The Head of the IKN Authority initially denied widespread prostitution, but internal sources suggest concern within the authority.
- What measures are being taken to address the problem? The IKN Authority has met with inn owners to discuss implementing stricter guest rules and surveillance.
- Is the situation improving? Reports indicate a slowdown in business for sex workers due to reduced construction activity.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of this issue? The long-term consequences could include increased rates of sexually transmitted infections, human trafficking, and social instability.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more data becomes available.
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