Bogor Residents Not Troubled by Seasonal Beggars: Perhaps They Are Struggling and in Need of Money

Bogor, Kompas.com — The phenomenon of seasonal beggars has reappeared on several roads in Bogor City during Ramadan. On several points on main streets, people begging sit on the sidewalk, stand at the roadside, or walk between vehicles that are stopped at red lights. Kompas.com’s observations on Wednesday (4 March 2026) found beggars at points such as Jalan Panduraya, Jalan Dadali, and Jalan Pajajaran. The sight usually begins to appear in the late afternoon, especially on routes with heavy traffic. However, some have already appeared since the late morning, though in smaller numbers. For some local residents, the presence of seasonal beggars is not new. The phenomenon is said to almost always appear every year when Ramadan arrives. One resident, Rudi (41), said he is not too bothered by the beggars as long as they do not force or disturb road users. He said, in his words: “No, really. You think maybe they are also in hardship, as long as they do not force or cause disruption. It’s also pitiable.” He added: “We are all human; we don’t know if they are locals or not. If it happens that they are in need, then we should help, too.” Yet, Rudi thinks the presence of beggars on the street should be monitored to avoid causing public unease. He said that as long as the beggars do not disrupt road users or make the situation uncomfortable, residents tend not to mind their presence. “Not yet; the important thing is not to disturb, as long as they do not alarm. We as residents, if indeed they are in need, should also be calm and help in any way we can,” he said. For some people, giving alms to them is considered a form of care for others who are experiencing economic hardship. Rudi noted that the pattern of seasonal beggar appearances almost always occurs every year when Ramadan arrives. The busy spots are usually along routes linking the Jambu Dua area to Pakuan. “Yes, every year. Basically this route along Jambu Dua is crowded,” he said. On some occasions, Rudi said he has been approached by drivers passing by to help distribute meals to the scavengers or beggars on the streets. “Sometimes drivers who pass by ask where there are many beggars; they are looking for them. Sometimes we are asked to, please deliver nasi bungkus if someone passes by, or please give it,” he said. Rudi said beggars usually become visible in the late afternoon ahead of iftar. However, it is not uncommon for some to be seen from the morning, though their numbers are not large. He said at certain times their numbers can increase until the evening, especially on routes with heavy traffic. “In this case, it’s usually in the late afternoon. Sometimes in the morning there are one or two, but there are also quite a lot, sometimes until night,” he said. According to him, not all people seen on the street are truly beggars. “There are also scavengers; there are those who used to be scavengers and then become scavengers again. It’s like that,” he said. Meanwhile, Denis (35), another resident, said he often sees people who deliberately come to distribute food to beggars during Ramadan.