Between Negotiation and Identity. A typography study at Dolly

�The Dolly area was widely known as a famous
prostitution area in Surabaya, which was supposedly the
largest in Southeast Asia. After going through a number of
upheavals and rejection, finally this prostitution area was
closed in 2014 by the government and returned as a residential
area. Most societies supported the decision, but not a few
rejected it. Until 2018 the upheaval is still going on. From the
remaining signage, it is known that the prostitution took place
amidst dense population. This research aims to investigate the
typographical benefits and roles for the communities in this
region. In-depth observations and interviews confirm the
important role of typography for the citizens in this place. It
functions as identities and is also a meaningful resistance
model and even negotiation�an unresolved turmoil.