Change! The paranoia of change is everywhere. Change for the sake of change or change for the better? Here's one change that's quite different and worth contemplating about.
In 1972 a red-light district known as Kramtung was established in northern Jakarta, Indonesia. The district had become a breeding ground for crime, violence and prostitution. The Muslim community had constantly opposed it, and after 28 years it was finally shut down on Dec. 31, 1999. At the time of the closing, the area contained 277 brothels, with 1,615 prostitutes under supervision of 258 brothel keepers.
When plans to shut it down were mooted, there were protests – what will happen to the source of income of the "sex workers". There was chaos, outcry and hurdles. But the purpose was noble and the goal was chaste.
The prostitutes went through a rehabilitation program after Kramtung was closed, which was the second biggest sex trading complex in South East Asia.
According to Islamonline.net, almost 300 pimps, 700 servants, 800 street vendors and more than 100 motorbike taxi drivers and other stakeholders of the now-defunct industry also took part in a counseling series by the Jakarta administration.
In 2002, the district was turned into a mosque and an Islamic center. The Jakarta Islamic Centre now occupies the 10.9 hectares of land that once used to be a red light district. A place that would stink of fornication for over two decades is now filled with an air of worship, glorification of God, and repentance. A place that would be a source of destruction for many youthful lives, families and character, is now a place of reformation that builds lives, families and character.
What incredible and beautiful change, Allahu Akbar (God is Great)!
"I still shudder when I think back of those days," Sri Hartati told Islamonline. Ten years ago, the 38-year-old female was one of those 1,615 sex workers.
She is now a cake vendor at the centre's complex, a professional tailor, and a married mother of two. Like many others, her life changed dramatically after the demolition of the complex.
"Most of us chanced professions to be vendors, hairstylists and even kindergarten teachers," she said.
"I took the sewing course," she recalled. "I receive orders for tailoring clothes, but during Ramadan I am also selling snacks for Iftar."
She noted that some of the ex-sex workers are working in the center, while others run small private businesses. The centre also conducts Islamic events and classes. Many have become more familiar with Islamic teachings performing prayers regularly in the mosque.
"Alhamdulillah, they have significantly changed."
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