javaprivatetour.com – Ever heard of or visited Pasar Kembang Jogja? Let’s dive into its intriguing tale.
Yogyakarta, renowned for its tourist destinations, also harbors an intriguing side that captivates both local and international tourists.
One such place that draws attention is Pasar Kembang, famously known as Sarkem. Located in RW Sosrowijayan Kulon, Gedong Tengen District, Pasar Kembang Jogja has stood for 125 years, holding significant historical value. The moniker Pasar Kembang or Sarkem gained popularity in the 1970s when it was bustling with flower vendors before they relocated to Jalan Ahmad Jazuli Kotabaru, Yogyakarta.
Established in 1818 during the Dutch colonial era, Pasar Kembang Jogja purportedly aimed to provide entertainment for railway construction workers. However, cunningly, the Dutch government constructed this area with a clandestine agenda, intending it to be a red-light district.
The objective was to ensure that the wages paid to the project workers circulated back as revenue through taxes levied on sex workers. Even after Indonesia gained independence, Sarkem continued to function as a red-light area in Yogyakarta. Disbanding this area proved challenging due to its significant economic impact on the surrounding community.
Efforts were made by the local government to educate sex workers to transition to other professions. However, the economic repercussions of their livelihoods made this transition difficult. Many other businesses flourished around Sarkem, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, supporting the local community’s livelihoods.
Situated in the heart of Yogyakarta and near the tourist hub of Jalan Malioboro, Sarkem became attractive to many.
Despite this, Sarkem has never been officially recognized as a tourist area because the government aimed to dissociate Yogyakarta’s image from negative connotations.
Is Pasar Kembang Jogja in Need of Closure?
The Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat actually hoped that Sarkem could become a hub for typical Jogja souvenirs. Many tourists are interested in seeing Sarkem’s history from a historical perspective. If Sarkem were considered a prostitution destination, it would leave a negative impression on Yogyakarta. However, closure efforts faced many obstacles.
“Migration Workers and Illegal Informal Economy (Prostitution) in the Pasar Kembang Yogyakarta Area,” wrote Odam Asdi Artosa in his paper.
Odam mentions that Sarkem has been a concern for the local government from the post-colonial era to the present. Efforts have included government policies and education on sexually transmitted diseases.
Closing this red-light area could actually pose greater social risks. Sex workers may act more recklessly and be harder to monitor. It might even create new vulnerabilities in social issues. Meanwhile, if Sarkem continues, social conflicts could escalate, leading to violence and crime.
Sarkem Jogja is a complex and controversial phenomenon. While its existence has economic implications for the surrounding community, it also holds an undeniable historical significance. It’s crucial for the relevant authorities to find solutions to address the challenges arising from Sarkem.
This way, they can respect cultural values, protect the community, and uphold Yogyakarta’s image as a quality tourist destination.
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After delving into the intriguing history and controversy surrounding Pasar Kembang Jogja, you might be eager to explore more of Yogyakarta’s wonders. That’s where Java Private Tour comes in.
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