TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - The Surabaya administration is earmarking US$3 million to acquire lands and properties in Dolly-Jarak red-light district.
"We're preparing US$1.3 million this year and another US$1.7 million next year to acquire the lands," Surabaya mayor Tri Rismaharini said at her office on Thursday, June 19, 2014.
Risma said the acquired lands would be transformed into public spaces such as centers for street vendors, parks and libraries. A US$750,000 fund is also being prepared to alter the six-floor Wisma Barbara II into a multi-purpose building for residents.
Risma added her administration also planned on acquiring 311 buildings located in Dolly-Jarak and that 11 of them were now still being negotiated. According to Risma, the fund to acquire those buildings would be even larger next year. She said she had coordinated with the local authorities to fix roads and to prepare the necessary equipment.
In addition to shutting down the brothel complex, the Surabaya administration also aims at improving the physical, economic and social conditions of the area by building a shoe and bag shopping area in what used to be the Kremil brothel complex for people who were affected by the shutdown.
AGITA SUKMA LISTYANTI
