I think this is a good decision. It’s the authority’s role and responsibility to protect its people. In the past, I’ve heard female therapists complaining about costumers asking for sex when they come for a massage. I have also seen people coming to Batu for sexual tourism. We now have about 10 massage parlours asking their female therapists to lock up their trousers. I read that the Indonesian Minister for Women’s Conditions said it was “insulting” for women, and I respect her opinion. But I think that our local officials are really trying to help people in the best way possible.”

Although it’s illegal, prostitution is very present in Indonesia. Especially in spas, karaoke places and massage parlours that are reserved for men. Officially, these places look just like what they’re supposed to be. But unofficially, almost all of them offer “++ packages,” which range from masturbation to more, if asked by the client. Everybody knows it. The first time I went to a massage parlour, I really didn’t know what to expect. So you can imagine my surprise when the massage therapist started to touch my penis without warning. I immediately asked her to stop, which came as a surprise to her. She kept on telling me that it was part of the “package.” And the place I’m talking about was open plan. The massage booths are only separated by a very thin wall. If Jakarta’s authorities decide to imitate Batu’s and ask the massage therapists to lock their pants, it will only favour the spas and karaoke places that have enough money to pay off officials.”

The decision by Batu officials is a very bad one. It reduces the problem of sexual harassment in the workplace to only one part of the female body - the vagina. If the Batu authorities really want to protect their female therapists, why don’t they ask massage parlours to install video cameras or create open spaces? Then they would have evidence in order to be able to punish the men rather than the women. This decision is very hypocritical. It doesn’t prevent customers asking for oral sex or masturbation for instance. And what if these women have to go to the bathroom urgently? It could be dangerous for their health."