'Banning migrants may increase crime rate'

'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