'Banning migrants may increase crime rate'

Jakarta is a magnet for many people from outside the city who come to try their luck in the capital. Overwhelmed with the influx of migrants, which could reach almost 250,000 a year, Governor Sutiyoso announced his plan last month to curb the flow by closing the city to poor, unskilled migrants. City residents shared their view with The Jakarta Post:

Aris, 22, is looking for a job, and is staying temporarily at a mosque in South Jakarta. Originally from Purworejo, Central Java, he makes money as a jockey for the three-in-one restricted zone (where cars must have at least three passengers during peak hours):

I completely disagree with the new policy planned by the governor. It will only negatively affect the poor people who intend to come to the city to work, by cutting down their chances of survival.

I'm sure that everyone coming to Jakarta has a dream. If migrants are prohibited from entering the city, they will be disappointed and restricted, conditions which may force them to commit crimes in order to survive.

I myself experienced the same thing when City Public Order officers evicted me last year when I tried to make money as a Pak Ogah (a man who regulates traffic in exchange for tips from motorists). They infuriated me. I stabbed one of them in the stomach and ran away. I have learned that hunger can drive the needy to irrational actions, as was the case with me.

Migrants come to the city to get a job and, of course, they don't have much money. I don't think the government will help provide good jobs even if the policy is implemented.

I hope the government can be more sensible in planning this policy, because it will cause anarchy in the city. Frankly, adding frustration upon frustration for unemployed people like myself creates potential for crime.

Taryono, 49, is a street vendor selling cigarettes and soft drinks in Blok M, South Jakarta. He resides on Jl. Bangka, South Jakarta, while his wife and five children live in Slawi, Central Java:

I disagree with the policy because it is against basic human rights. Everyone knows that food and money are the only factors that drive migrants to come to the city.

Normally a vendor will migrate to an area which has many customers. Jakarta is such a place, with many potential customers.

It's impossible to make a living if a vendor stays in an isolated area with limited customers. In my region there are several tourist spots, but I can't make much money as visitors are few.

In my village, if I grow rice, I would only be able to make Rp 300,000 after waiting three long months for the harvest. In comparison, I can make an average of Rp 400,000 every month in Jakarta.

The state doesn't ban anyone from going abroad, but why can the city administration ban Indonesian citizens from entering their capital city? Doesn't it sound strange?

Amin, is an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver who resides in Palmerah, West Jakarta, with his wife and two children. He is a native Jakartan:

I agree with the policy to curb migration to the city. The city has become overcrowded with migrants. Without proper regulations, the city population will only increase and become uncontrollable. It will surely worsen the already awful traffic congestion and have a negative social impact.

As a native Jakartan, I feel upset about the presence of migrants here, as they only increase competition in the struggle to survive. It is regrettable that many migrants are unskilled and barely know what to do in Jakarta, because this burdens the city residents. I can't deny that many native Jakartans have become unemployed because they have lost their will to fight.

Announcing the planned policy at least makes every city resident aware that the city has become overcrowded. The question is, will it (the policy) be implemented seriously and quickly?

Dina is a salesgirl at the Sarinah Department Store on Jl. MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta. She lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, with her family:

I disagree with the policy against migration. What right does the city administration have to prevent migrants from entering the city? It's against human rights, and the policy implies that no one is allowed to determine their own lives. How terrible!

I think an individual's life has nothing to do with population density, in case the ban is based on a fear of the city being overcrowded. I don't feel that the migrants here make the city crowded. Even if the city is larger and there are less people, this would not necessarily improve the people's welfare.

I think the success of individuals depends on their own destiny, not the size of the population.

-- Leo Wahyudi S