The exploitation
of children in prostitution and pornography
The commercial sexual exploitation of children
is one of the most brutal forms of violence against children. Even
more worrying is that there are indications that the problem is
on the rise, not only worldwide, but also in Indonesia.
Consequences for children
Child victims suffer extreme physical, psycho-social
and emotional abuse. They are exposed to sexually transmitted diseases,
such as HIV/AIDS. They are often introduced to drugs to control
them, further endangering their lives and making recovery particularly
difficult. Younger and younger children are being sought in the
belief that they will be free of HIV/AIDS, yet it is they who are
most likely to be infected since younger children have a greater
biological vulnerability to STDs. Case studies and testimonies of
child victims speak of traumas so deep that they are often unable
to return into a normal way of life.
Prostitution and pornography in Indonesia
No comprehensive research has been done on this
subject. Official sources (Buku Putih Binrehabsos (2000)) assess
the number of sex workers at 73990. However, other sources estimate
that Indonesia is home to at least 650.000 prostitutes, of which
about 30 per cent is under 18 years old. The prostitution of children
tends to be closely linked to their exploitation in pornography.
Being forced to take part in pornography often can be initiating
factor to their exploitation in prostitution. In Bali children are
known to being exploited for pornography for pedophiles. Known places
for prostitution are all bigger cities in Indonesia.
IPEC Action
IPEC together with University and NGOs recently
has conducted a research on the child prostitution in Java. As the
follow up of the research, a workshop conducted in collaboration
with UGM Tourism Development Study Department. In this short time,
ILO/IPEC will publish a book on the child prostitution in Indonesia.
Though until now IPEC has not had an Action Programme on child prostitution
in Indonesia, it has been earmarked as one of IPEC's priority target
groups in Indonesia. IPEC has some experience with Action programmes
in other countries, including:
IPEC Action in Thailand
IPEC has supported the Development and Education
Programme for Daughters and Communities Center, which aims to prevent
the prostitution of children by providing alternative education
to girls at high risk of exploitation.
IPEC Action in Brazil
IPEC has worked through the Confederacao Nacional
da Industria - the largest organization of the Brazilian industrial
sector - to launch two pilot projects which are being implemented.
These projects seek to prevent children from entering prostitution
by providing them with formal education, vocational training and
other types of creative or leisure activities. Income generation
programmes are also being developed for adult members of the family.
