A Criminological Review of Prostitution Crimes in Pohuwato Regency

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the crime of prostitution in Pohuwato Regency from a criminological perspective, with a focus on the causal factors behind prostitution and the law enforcement efforts undertaken to address it. The research employs an empirical legal method with a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through interviews with police officers and community leaders, as well as documentation from official reports. The findings indicate that prostitution in Pohuwato Regency is driven by internal factors such as biological pressures, the desire to pursue a luxurious lifestyle, and a lack of self-control. On the other hand, external factors—including poverty, environmental influence, weak family roles, and the ease of access to digital technology—serve as major contributors to the rise of online prostitution, particularly through the MiChat application. Law enforcement efforts include preventive, repressive, and rehabilitative measures carried out in collaboration with the police, the community, and the local government. This study concludes that prostitution is a multidimensional crime that requires an integrated approach involving various stakeholders.