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.