Community-based movement succesful

Community-based movement succesful

Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Community-based movements have proven effective in overcoming
reoccurring problems in neighborhoods as revealed by some
subdistrict chiefs.

Notorious for its brawls, Manggarai subdistrict in South
Jakarta, has started to see a decrease in the number of fights.

"At first, I didn't know what to do to end the brawls that
occur almost every day. It would start over a minor thing, and a
quarrel between young kids would spark a bigger brawl among
adults who carry sharp weapons," Darsono Pasra, head of the
subdistrict, said on the sidelines of a seminar on public
services on Friday.

"As time went by, we gradually managed to minimize the brawls.
And for the last two years, I have rarely seen any brawls," he
added.

Darsono said that the idea of involving public figures in a
forum in the subdistrict in 2002 was a turning point for
Manggarai residents.

The forum, which has representatives of 12 community units in
the subdistrict, has been designed to anticipate various social
problems including brawls and security in neighborhoods.

He added that the key to the success of the forum was to
involve several thugs, who had been the cause of social unrest.

Since being given bigger roles in the neighborhood such as
community unit chiefs, neighborhood unit chiefs and civilian
guards, they have set a good example to the younger generation.

Darsono recalled how difficult it was to approach them
initially. He said he had to join some of their activities like
chatting on the streets, drinking coffee and playing cards at
night to build understanding among them.

"In such a setting, they can express their problems and wishes
frankly. Understanding their problems and wishes is important so
that they want to take part in the positive activities we have
designed," he added.

Despite the efforts, Darsono said that there were still many
social problems in Manggarai. But he said the community movement
should not be belittled because they had made a significant
contribution to easing the problems.

The West Cilandak subdistrict chief Abi Manaaf and Cipedak
subdistrict chief Umar Fauzi, both in South Jakarta, reported
that ideas that came from residents were often effective in
resolving problems.

"We appreciate various movements established by the residents
because many of them help us (subdistrict officials) in resolving
social problems like drugs, security and brawls," Abi said.

This year, the city administration presented an award to the
North Kebayoran Lama subdistrict as the best subdistrict for its
residents' movement in curbing drug dealing in the area.