Colonial Era Saw Prostitution Fueling Spread of Venereal Diseases

Prostitution and the ensuing spread of venereal diseases were significant issues in the Dutch East Indies, a problem that persisted throughout colonial rule and beyond. The article traces the historical terminology used for sex workers, evolving from the colonial-era 'wanita publik' to the more modern 'pekerja seks komersial' (PSK).

During the colonial period, prostitution was an organized industry, partly fueled by traditional slavery and concubinage systems catering to European needs. Regulations, such as one in 1766 prohibiting 'wanita publik' from entering ports without permission, proved ineffective. The isolation and social distance experienced by Dutch soldiers and administrators often led them to seek companionship with local women, sometimes under duress for the women and their families.

This social dynamic, exacerbated by the power imbalance inherent in colonial rule, contributed to a moral crisis among the colonized population. Beyond the moral implications, the rampant spread of venereal diseases affected both the women involved in sex work and the European population, particularly soldiers and officials. The establishment of specialized hospitals for venereal diseases, often within prison complexes, underscored the severity of the outbreak and the high number of inmates contracting these illnesses.