The head of the Commission for Laity in Surabaya diocese has welcomed a pledge by East Java’s deputy governor to close down all red-light districts in the province, saying it would be an important step in respecting human dignity.

“Prostitution is not only about morality but also about social, economic and human dignity. Indeed, this practice must be stopped since it insults humanity and causes modern slavery and exploitation,” Father Antonius Luluk Widyawan said on Saturday.

According to reports, Deputy Governor Saifullah Yusuf last week promised to close down all brothels across the province. This would be done in several steps and in cooperation with the Indonesian Ulema council.

He also pledged to find new jobs for sex workers and said the council would deal with the moral aspects of the campaign.

Surabaya, the provincial capital, is home to the Dolly red-light district, which is regarded as one of the biggest in Southeast Asia.

Father Luluk suggested that along with closing brothels, authorities should also address what drove the women into prostitution in the first place.

“The urgency is that they can regain their dignity and live a better life among their families and within society,” he said.

He called on all parishes and Catholic organizations to work together in taking steps to help save sex workers.

“An awareness program about the nobleness of human dignity, gender and the Church’s social teachings will help Catholics become more sensitive to their situation. Also, an economic development program through a credit union has been proven to help [sex workers],” he added.

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