City braces for influx of beggars

JAKARTA: The city administration is anticipating a possible influx of seasonal beggars, who often come to Jakarta from various areas in West and Central Java prior to the Ramadhan (fasting) month, which this year falls in early October.

Head of City Public Order Agency Soebagio said on Friday that seasonal beggars were organized by certain groups of people to come to the city.

"Usually, they come to the city several weeks before the fasting month," said Soebagio, adding that he would give Rp 2 million (US$200) to anyone who could arrest organizers of the seasonal beggars.

According to Soebagio, there are 35 locations where beggars usually operate including intersections, bus terminals, train stations, houses of worship and cemeteries.

Begging in public places violates city bylaw No. 11/1988 on public order, but many beggars continue to operate freely in the city. -- Antara