Popular Culture Review Vol. 14, No. 1, February 2003 | Page 102

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Popular Culture Review

The number of female prostitutes in Bali, for example, has increased greatly
since Indonesia’s economic crisis began in 1997. The Badung regency area had an
estimated 1,200 prostitutes in 1997, but by the end of 1998 the number had risen to
3,112. Putu Wirata describes how one of Indonesia’s best known pimps created a
controversy by building an amusement center (discotheque, restaurant and bunga
lows) named Planet Bali. Suspicions arose when it became known that the estab
lishment featured a VIP room which rented for millions of rupiah per night and
was serviced by six young women. “What sort of amusement is it that costs up to
Rp. 6 million per night?” a Balinese intellectual asked rhetorically.
The opportunities provided by foreign female tourists have also motivated an
increasing number of local males (plus migrants from other provinces of Indone
sia) to become what the Balinese call “Beach Boys” or “Kuta Cowboys.” These
men have found that they can make a living—as gigolos—out of short term ro
mances with foreign female tourists. A Jakarta Post article describes how one
Beach Boy’s relationship with a Japanese woman began and indicates the tragic
health consequences that could result if unprotected sex is involved:
Agus scans the new group of Japanese tourists with precision, weighing
hischances like a pro. Most of the women are with their friends or hus
bands. But one of them, fortyish with cropped hair, is alone. Agus has
found his mark. Not letting her out of his sight, he waits until she has
settled on the beach for the day. “Are you looking for a boyfriend?” “Oh
no,” she answers coyly. After a few moments of silence, she adds: “Per
haps you can help me with transportation?”
Once Agus has become acquainted