Children exploited by criminals

Children exploited by criminals

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Children below the age of 14 are being
used by criminals to collect money for "good works", Antara
reported yesterday.

Young girls equipped with a letter of recommendation and
receipts appear wearing trousers and Islamic head-scarves. They
operate in residential areas, offices and restaurants.

A worker by the name of Ningsih told Antara that she works in
two shifts and earns between Rp 17,000 and Rp 21,000 a day -- Rp
8,000 of which is submitted to the "boss."

Chief of the Moslem Affairs Section of the Provincial
Religious Office Dahlan Tangkaderi says that syndicates are
behind this.

"I have encountered some of these children myself, they often
bring along a regent's or a governor's recommendation," Dahlan
said. (14)