Beggars in Nias island

Beggars in Nias island

From Kompas

Some time ago people were expressing their concerns over the
existence of beggars in Nias island, North Sumatra. I have the
following comments.

Nias island is an isolated region. The easiest way to reach
the island is by plane, and tourist destinations like Bawomataluo
Village, Legundi beach and Soroake. Both domestic and foreign
tourists love to visit the attractions and enjoy the natural
beauty of the island. Of course tourism has changed the behavior
of local people somewhat. My research in 1994 reveals that the
Nias community is not by nature materialistic. The people are
predominantly farmers and local traders.

Today, with the government promoting tourism, the people can
earn money from sectors related to tourism which they hadn't
thought of years ago. For example, they trade myna birds and sell
souvenirs. They even sell megalithic relics.

Beggars (usually children) in Nias are also a side effect of
tourists visiting the island. We certainly cannot blame the
beggars because they really need the money. And it is unwise to
just discipline them and let the security agents handle them.
They are part of our society, the native population who wish to
get some money to survive.

What we should do is to think of alternatives for the local
government to solve the problem. Cooperative of local
handicraftsmen may be one likely alternative.

DEDDY ADISUDHARMA

Anthropologist

Bandung