67 hoodlums allowed back on the streets

JAKARTA (JP): The 67 alleged hoodlums, who were rounded up during the clean-up operation in Tanah Abang recently and admitted to a rehabilitation program, have finished their training course and are awaiting job placement, an official said yesterday.

Toha Reno, head of a City Public Order Office subdivision, told The Jakarta Post that the hoodlums -- who underwent training at Ragunan Sports Dormitory in South Jakarta -- have been urged to turn over a new leaf, working as drivers, parking attendants or other positions that match their abilities.

"I haven't received an official report about their new jobs. You'd better ask the City Manpower Agency for further information."

Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said Wednesday that the 67 alleged hoodlums had been "released" back into society.

"Some of them have been given jobs in several places throughout the city," he said, refusing to provide further details.

Sjafrie believes that the men will be able to live alongside other residents as a result of the training sessions.

"Just give them a chance. I believe they can stand on their own feet and they will no longer be a threat to the public."

The group was forced to join the rehabilitation program following fears that their presence could cause further social unrest in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta's busiest market.

When asked about the plan to train them as security guards, Toha said that it was up to Jakarta Military Command, which was in charge of the hoodlums' rehabilitation.

"But personally, I think it is very risky for the alleged thugs to become security guards. As they used to have certain violent habits it will take a long time to change their mentality, and that is the hardest part.

"So I don't think they will be ready to be recruited as security officers. They have to past certain tests... and I tell you it's not that easy."

Based on the Post's observations, some of the alleged hoodlums who have been "reformed" are currently working as parking attendants near Senen market in Central Jakarta.

One of the former hoodlums, who asked for anonymity, said that he had benefited from the training.

"Now I think it would be better for me to have a permanent job and stop harassing people," the 30-year-old man said.

When asked how he was adapting to the new area, which is a long way from his previous "territory", he just smiled and said: "This is my life. I live on and from the street. I'm not afraid to be here. I am doing nothing wrong... so I will just live my life as usual."

He said he and his friends were being closely monitored by the officers.

"This is a repercussion that we have to accept. I never thought living a good and straight life would be this difficult. All I need is just money to survive... I never thought there was more to it," he said. (edt)