Beggars in Nias island<\/p>\n
From Kompas<\/p>\n
Some time ago people were expressing their concerns over the
\nexistence of beggars in Nias island, North Sumatra. I have the
\nfollowing comments.<\/p>\n
Nias island is an isolated region. The easiest way to reach
\nthe island is by plane, and tourist destinations like Bawomataluo
\nVillage, Legundi beach and Soroake. Both domestic and foreign
\ntourists love to visit the attractions and enjoy the natural
\nbeauty of the island. Of course tourism has changed the behavior
\nof local people somewhat. My research in 1994 reveals that the
\nNias community is not by nature materialistic. The people are
\npredominantly farmers and local traders.<\/p>\n
Today, with the government promoting tourism, the people can
\nearn money from sectors related to tourism which they hadn't
\nthought of years ago. For example, they trade myna birds and sell
\nsouvenirs. They even sell megalithic relics.<\/p>\n
Beggars (usually children) in Nias are also a side effect of
\ntourists visiting the island. We certainly cannot blame the
\nbeggars because they really need the money. And it is unwise to
\njust discipline them and let the security agents handle them.
\nThey are part of our society, the native population who wish to
\nget some money to survive.<\/p>\n
What we should do is to think of alternatives for the local
\ngovernment to solve the problem. Cooperative of local
\nhandicraftsmen may be one likely alternative.<\/p>\n
DEDDY ADISUDHARMA<\/p>\n
Anthropologist<\/p>\n
Bandung<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/beggars-in-nias-island-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }