TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - DKI Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) said on Tuesday that newcomers to the capital, especially those who are unemployed, must not become beggars.
"Newcomers who have not been employed, have no money or are even starving, do not become beggars. Just come to our halfway houses," said Basuki.
The man more popularly known as Ahok said Jakarta’s halfway houses are ready to accommodate starving residents or residents who have not been able to land a permanent job.
He said Bylaw No. 8/2007 about public order does not ban the poor from seeking sustenance in the capital.
"Seeking sustenance in Jakarta is fine. The problem now is not the stomach, but the method of gathering wealth for their hometowns by begging. This is what we prohibit," said Ahok.
The bylaw bans every person or organization from begging, busking, or becoming street vendors. The bylaw also states that anyone who gives money or items to these people will also be punished.
Violators of this bylaw will be sanctioned with a fine of Rp20 million or maximum 60 days in prison.
RAFIKA SOEGARDA | ANTARA
