Transforming an Ex-Red-Light District into a Center for Empowerment

Eko Prasetyo, an alumnus of Chemistry at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), successfully transformed an ex-red-light district into a mosque serving as a center for community empowerment. This initiative was carried out in the last prostitution house in the former Njarak-Dolly red-light district area in Surabaya. The mosque, which now serves as a community empowerment center, is called Masjid Kampoeng Njarak.

The alumnus of the 2002 class succeeded in creating a transformation that was not merely a physical change of a building, but also became a symbol of social transformation.

Becoming a Social and Community Empowerment Space

The mosque that has now been established actively carries out various community programs, ranging from charitable assistance for local residents, community economic empowerment, to regular Quran recitation activities for women.

Eko explained that the main purpose of this initiative is to provide a space that is not only a place of worship, but also a center for social activities capable of improving the quality of life of the community.

“We hope this mosque becomes a place that nurtures togetherness and compassion,” he said.

In carrying out these various programs, Eko also actively mobilizes donors to contribute. Support from various parties has become one of the keys to the sustainability of the mosque’s activities, both operationally and in program development.

He also emphasized his commitment to continuously developing the surrounding community through various sustainable initiatives.

A Foundation Built from Chemistry UNAIR

Interestingly, Eko’s journey cannot be separated from the academic foundation he built while studying Chemistry at UNAIR. He revealed that all the chemistry courses he studied played an important role in shaping a systematic and structured way of thinking.

This mindset is what he later applied in designing and managing various social programs within the community.

In addition, his organizational experience as Chairman of the Chemistry Student Association also shaped his leadership spirit and ability to build collaboration. These experiences became important capital in mobilizing the community and building networks with donors.

Message for the Younger Generation

Eko advised current Chemistry students to optimize their potential in order to create broad positive impacts for society. He believes that every individual has a strategic role in creating positive change.

If given the opportunity to return to his college years, Eko admitted that he would spend more time building relationships, both within and outside the campus environment.

Original source: https://jatim.viva.co.id/cangkrukan/25816-kisah-eko-prasetyo-sulap-eks-lokalisasi-jadi-masjid-pusat-pemberdayaan-masyarakat