Indonesian masseuses told to lock their pants

updated 12:15 p.m. ET April 10, 2008

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Massage parlors in an Indonesian town are asking their female workers to padlock their skirts and pants to make it clear they're offering only massages, not sex.

The move has been protested by the women's affairs minister of Indonesia, where massage parlors are often a front for prostitution. She said the padlocks insult women "as if they are the ones in the wrong."

At least one parlor in a tourist town on Java island has required its masseuses to padlock their skirts or trousers to make it clear the establishment does not tolerate prostitution.

Others in the town started following suit after local officials met with massage parlor owners and suggested it's a good idea.

TV footage and photos have shown several masseuses with small padlocks in their zippers.

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