Bandar Baru (known locally simply as 'BB') is a village in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra on the road from Medan to Berastagi. It is located in Sibolangit subdistrict by the Bukit Lawang river, [1] just past Sibolangit itself, and very close to Karo Regency. The village has many cafes, restaurants, shops selling tourist goods and tourist bungalows. [2] It is also a lokalisasi (government-licensed prostitution area) [3]
In 1904, a battle occurred in the village between local Karo people and colonial soldiers sent to "pacify the unruly highlanders." [2]
Much of the prostitution in Bandar Baru is based in cafes, where sex workers act as hostesses. They may accompany customers and offer sexual services away from the café. Some cafes are attached to hotels, and sex workers may also receive commissions from the sale of drinks to their companions. [1]
Some of the bungalows built for tourists have been turned into brothels. [4]
As with other lokalisasi in Indonesia, sex trafficking, particularly of underage girls, is a significant problem. [3] [5] [6]
Due to the bad name of Bandar Baru, and the problems associated with prostitution, the status of BB as a lokalisasi is being reviewed by the Deli Serdang government. [7]