Bogor expects more vagrants

BOGOR: The number of vagrants operating in the town of Bogor was likely to increase sharply during the holy month of Ramadhan, an official said.

Head of the Social Assistance Section of the local Office of the People's Empowerment, Eli Yulia, said on Tuesday that most of the vagrants came from Sukabumi, West Java, and Tegal, Central Java.

They usually operated near Jembatan Merah area, Baranangsiang terminal, Taman Topi park, Pangrango intersection and Jl. Pajajaran.

Last year's data showed that there were over 300 vagrants in the town and the number had increased to 450 during the fasting month and the Idul Fitri holiday.

"A beggar could earn up to Rp 30,000 a day," Eli said.

She said that in their hometown, seasonal vagrants worked in rice fields with little income. They came to Bogor because they wanted to make money during Ramadhan, when people are expected to be more generous.

Every month, Eli said, her office, along with the police, conducted raids against vagrants. Those caught were sent to a rehabilitation shelter, while those who came from elsewhere were sent home. --JP