TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - East Java Governor Soekarwo said it would close Balong Cangkring red-light district in Mojokerto, East Java on May 29.

It is the last red-light district to be closed in the province.

"We will close Balong Cangkring red-light district on May 29," Soekarwo said to Tempo, on Sunday (22/5).

Soekarwo added that East Java province has closed 46 of 47 red-light district in several cities and regencies throughout the province.

"The Balong Cangkring red-light district is the 47^th red-light district to be closed,” the Governor added.

In the meantime, East Java Social Services Agency reported that since February 2016, there is no longer sexual workers operating at the red-light district.

"They decided to leave the red-light district on their own initiatives for fear of being expelled," the agency said.

After the shutdown of the red-light district, the East Java Provincial Government will provide assistance to residents affected by the closing.

As many as 1,137 residents will be affected by the closing and each of them will receive Rp 3 million.

“The money is expected to help the residents start a business after the closing of the red-light district because around 1,137 residents earn money from its operation. Hopefully, the money could help them," Soekarwo added.

EDWIN FAJERIAL