Prostitution in Indonesia

Prostitution in Indonesia is legally considered a "crime against decency/morality", although it is widely practiced, tolerated and even regulated in some areas.^[1] Some women are financially motivated to become prostitutes, while others may be forced by friends, relatives or strangers. Traditionally, they have met with customers in entertainment venues or special prostitution complexes, or lokalisasi (localization). However, recently internet forums and Facebook have been used to facilitate prostitute-client relations. In recent years, child sex tourism has become an issue at the resort islands of Batam and Bali.

Female sex tourism also emerged in the late 20th century in Bali, where young Balinese male sex workers meet with Japanese,^[2] European, and Australian women.^[3] UNAIDS estimate there to be 226,791 prostitutes in the country.^[4]