Child Sex Tourism: Ambiguous Spaces in Bali

Abstract

The phenomenon of child sex tourism (CST) is intensified by the increased mobility of people worldwide. Current approaches to fight CST predominantly focus on enforcing legislation and disrupting the cycle of demand and supply, yet they have proven largely ineffective. This paper highlights the enabling properties of CST spaces in Bali and takes a new approach by focusing on the ambiguity of place, authority structures and actors. The analysis identifies four CST spaces – private homes, brothels, spa massage parlours and orphanages – which enable the persistence of CST. Understanding the ‘socio-spatial properties’ of risk locations is key to disrupting and fighting CST more effectively.