Balinese Working Girls

The Bali nightlife scene has undergone a subtle change over the last few years. The age group and origin of the working girls is altering. In years past, the majority of working girls were from Java, with a smattering coming from places all over Indonesia. The age of these women tended to range from the mid-twenties upwards. And a great deal were single mothers doing their best to support children or families. Javanese women found it difficult to travel to Bali at a young age. And they generally reached a higher level of maturity before they became part of Bali’s sex trade.

Recently a number of Balinese working girls have begun to trawl Kuta’s nightclubs in search of customers. And the age of these girls could be considered somewhat concerning. Some of the girls that leave the clubs with tourists for business encouraged sex. Would appear to barley meet Indonesia’s age of consent. Depending on the website, the lawful age requirement for female sex in Indonesia is 18 years. There is also a loophole in this law if parental consent is given and a marriage is involved.

Bali is a small island so most of Balinese girls live within close proximity to its tourism hotspots. If they don’t live close it is relatively easy to arrange the necessary transport. And most Balinese girls have a desire to work within Bali’s tourism industry. Also due to an improved education system, the majority of these girls can speak fluent English. These factors allow for an easy gateway into Bali’s tourist sex trade.

When Balinese girls finish their studies they are expected to find legitimate work in the tourism industry around Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur. And their families often encourage them to travel to these destinations. Unfortunately there is only a finite amount of work to go around and the jobs that are available do not pay well. Because of the gold rush mentality when it comes to Bali’s tourism industry.  Young Balinese working girls are forced to convince their families that they have found legitimate work. Then as long as they send money home, few questions are asked about their employment.

Balinese girls quickly learn that they can make large amounts of money by becoming involved in Bali’s sex industry. Most are from poor village backgrounds and nights spent dancing in nightclubs or eating in fancy restaurants hold great appeal for these young girls. There is also no shortage of rich tourists willing to pay for their company.  For many young Balinese women the temptation to join Bali’s sex industry is becoming too hard to resist.

©Malcolm Scott