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Alexis, 'morality' politics and an exercise in futility
The Social Affairs Ministry has a goal for Indonesia, that by 2019, the nation will be free of prostitution. Dream on.
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The massage parlor at Alexis Hotel in North Jakarta as seen on Tuesday (Oct. 31, 2017). Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has said that his decision to not extend business permit of Alexis Hotel in North Jakarta, an establishment he alleges of hosting prostitution, is based on a solid finding. (Antara Foto/Galih Pradipta)
T
he title of the Indonesian version of my book Sex, Power and Nation is Agama, Seks dan Kekuasaan (Religion, Sex and Power), but it could also be the title of Anies Baswedan’s and Sandiaga Uno’s new governorship, at least the beginning.
The reason? Their first gebrakan (strike) was to close down the Alexis Hotel, reportedly a “den of immorality.” It was in fact one of their campaign promises, so they were applauded by their supporters for being able to immediately implement it.
Alexis was rumored to be one of the most luxurious brothels in Jakarta, a “pioneer that sets the benchmark for adult one stop entertainment hotel” and “the dreamland for men” (Coconuts online journal citing the Alexis website).
I don’t remember Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, Anies’ predecessor, currently jailed for blasphemy, making any such promises, but he also cracked down on prostitution. He turned the infamous red-light district of Kalijodo into a skate park and a children-friendly public open space (RPTRA). When criticized that he only targeted street-level prostitution, Ahok said no, he also closed down two high-class establishments, the Stadium and Milles.
