67 hoodlums allowed back on the streets

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)