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Tanjung Batu Merah Red-Light District Reopens, Youth in Ambon Protest at DPRD

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Indonesian Mosque Youth Communication Agency (BKPRMI) Ambon City activists protest the resumed operation of the Tanjung Batu Merah red-light district in front of the Ambon City DPRD office, Monday (9/21/2026)(KOMPAS.COM/RAHMAT RAHMAN PATTY)

AMBON, KOMPAS.com - Dozens of activists from the Indonesian Mosque Youth Communication Agency (BKPRMI) in Ambon City, Maluku, staged a demonstration in front of the Ambon City DPRD office on Monday (9/21/2026).

They protested the resumed operation of the Tanjung Batu Merah red-light district in Ambon City, which had previously been permanently closed by the government in December 2019.

During the demonstration, the crowd carried banners and posters demanding that the government and law enforcement agencies take firm action against the operators of the red-light district.

The protesters said the revival of prostitution activities in the Tanjung Batu Merah area deeply disturbs the community and violates the Ambon Mayor’s official decree.

"We demand the DPRD intervene to address this issue. We call for the prostitution practices in the Tanjung Batu Merah red-light district to be stopped and for strict measures to be taken against its management," said Action Coordinator Hamin Rumatan during his speech.

Hamin revealed that based on BKPRMI Ambon’s investigations and information from Batu Merah Village Government officials, the Tanjung Batu Merah red-light district, closed for seven years, is now covertly operating again.

"The DPRD must not remain silent. Immediately summon the relevant agencies along with Satpol PP and the police to take firm action. The closure must not be merely ceremonial," Hamin stated in his oration.

The protesters also urged the Ambon City DPRD to coordinate with the Ambon City Government to verify the legality of all karaoke business permits around the Tanjung Batu Merah area.

Additionally, BKPRMI pressed the Ambon Mayor, Bodewin Wattimena, to register all sex workers present at the Tanjung Batu Merah prostitution site.

"It’s very clear that this site was officially closed in 2019. Now, we urge the Mayor to conduct a proper registration. If any sex workers are found, immediate actions must be taken, including repatriation to their hometowns," Hamin added.