Facing unskilled migrants<\/p>\n
After every Idul Fitri holiday, the Jakarta administration is
\nfaced with an annual dilemma: the influx of unwanted migrants
\nfrom poverty-stricken villages. These people journey far, alone
\nor with relatives who are returning to the capital after
\ncelebrating the Islamic holiday with families, in their place of
\nbirth.<\/p>\n
This annual tide of unskilled labor is driven by poor social
\nand economic conditions in the provinces. This year extended
\ndrought, which damaged crops and delayed planting, has made
\nconditions far worse than usual. In many areas food, and even
\ndrinking water, is in critically short supply. Current economic
\nturmoil, rising prices and horrible uncertainty have compounded
\nan already miserable situation.<\/p>\n
It is no exaggeration to say that migration is a matter of
\nlife and death for many of the rural poor, among whom exists an
\nunshakeable belief that a move to large, glamorous urban centers,
\nlike Jakarta, is the only hope for survival.<\/p>\n
The annual influx of new migrants after Idul Fitri has become
\nas traditional as the annual exodus from Jakarta several days
\nearlier. A member of the City Council estimates that about
\n500,000 job-seekers will enter Jakarta this week, few with
\nmarketable skills. But those who alighted at the city's bus
\nterminals found Jakarta less hospitable, if that is possible,
\nthan in previous years. They were promptly frog-marched back onto
\nbuses and sent packing.<\/p>\n
In a time of crisis, this measure is beyond comprehension and
\nwill prove to be as unworkable as the recent appeal made by
\nGovernor Sutiyoso, requesting Jakartans to refrain from bring
\nfriends and relatives back from their villages.<\/p>\n
We understand why the Jakarta administration views migrants as
\na problem. They are unlikely to find work in these difficult
\ntimes and will eventually become a burden to the capital. Jakarta
\nalready struggles to accommodate its existing 10 million
\ninhabitants.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the administration should look into the social
\nreality wisely. The problem can only cured by wiping out poverty,
\nnot the poor.<\/p>\n
Our country has once again become poor. Faced with this
\ncalamity, care should be taken to offer a helping hand to the
\nrural people who are facing starvation. Those who have, should
\nopen their doors to those who do not, like in wartime, when
\npeople shelter refugees.<\/p>\n
Finally are glad to note that as of yesterday, the
\nadministration has stopped cracking down on newcomers. We hope
\nthat this policy change is not been taken for political
\nconsiderations, such as next month's meeting of the People's
\nConsultative Assembly, which will elect the national president,
\nbut for purely humanitarian reasons.<\/p>\n
It is true that times are very difficult for urban dwellers,
\nbut they may not fully realize the difficulties faced by their
\nrural cousins. But the time has come for people to see the real
\ntruth in poverty, empathize with the poor, and act accordingly.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/facing-unskilled-migrants-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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