TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Administration Regional Secretary Saefullah said the government would not be able to keep residents from bringing their relatives to find jobs in Jakarta. This has been an annual tradition when homecomers return from Eid holiday.
"We would violate the law if we prohibit them [from bringing relatives to Jakarta]," Saefullah told Tempo earlier today.
Jakarta should be opened for every citizen to find a job. However, Saefullah warned that newcomers without jobs, particularly those who erect illegal 'homes' near riverbanks and railways, would face consequences. "We will sweep and discipline them all."
Since July 27, the Jakarta administration has demolished numerous 'shelters' near riverbanks and railways. After the Eid Holiday, the Jakarta Civil Registry and Demography Agency will collect data of newcomers in the Capital.
Based on that, the number of newcomers was predicted to increase by 30 percent to 68,500 people in 2014. Last year, there were more than 50,000 people moving to Jakarta.
NINIS CHAIRUNNISA