TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria spoke up about homeless issues in the capital which recently became a public spotlight after Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini conducted an impromptu visit, known as blusukan.

Riza said the city administration had never issued a policy prohibiting people from entering and staying in the capital to try their luck. However, he asserted that every person wishing to visit Jakarta must have a clear goal and job security.

People willing to stay in the capital city usually have issues in their hometown, Riza argued. “We hope that each region can ensure the welfare of its residents,” said the Deputy Governor at Jakarta City Hall today, Jan. 5.

Riza made the statement in response to the homeless issue brought up by Minister Risma during her blusukan in several areas in the city. Risma offered the vagrants she met to live in the Ministry’s shelters and also asked them to return to their hometown.

The city administration, Riza said, appreciated the efforts. He opined that poverty, homelessness, and unemployment issues were indeed joint homework.

Riza confirmed that Jakarta has good programs to address those problems, particularly amid the Covid-19 pandemic, such as allocating Rp5.3 trillion to contain the pandemic for the social safety net program. “We are highly committed to resolving social issues,” he said.

Read: Jakarta Tests 167 Homeless for Covid-19; 6 Sent to Hospital

ADAM PRIREZA