DKI Provincial Government Urged to Monitor and Control Influx of New Migrants

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Kevin Wu, a member of Commission A of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, has called on the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to continue monitoring and controlling the influx of residents from outside the region after Eid al-Fitr celebrations. “We in the DPRD see that Jakarta cannot close itself off, but it also must not adopt a stance that is too lax without control. The fact is, many migrants arrive without skills and without job certainty,” said Kevin in Jakarta on Friday. The phenomenon of a surge in migrants after Lebaran does occur routinely every year, according to him, and must be addressed seriously because its impact is directly felt by Jakarta residents. He also expressed concern that the arrival of a large number of people from outside the region to Jakarta would further overcrowd the capital and worsen the already limited job market conditions. “It must be emphasised that the government’s primary priority must remain on protecting and ensuring the welfare of Jakarta residents who have lived and contributed to the city first. Do not let our own residents become increasingly marginalised due to the uncontrolled influx of migrants,” stated Kevin. For this reason, he asked the DKI Provincial Government to monitor and control the influx of residents from outside the region, even while keeping the capital open to anyone, especially those seeking job opportunities. “Therefore, we encourage the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to take firmer steps, including tightening the registration of new migrants through Dukcapil (Civil Registry and Population Service) down to the RT/RW level, and ensuring that every migrant has a clear identity, definite purpose, and decent accommodation,” said Kevin. In addition, he continued, selective policies based on economic readiness are needed. This means Jakarta must start promoting the principle that those who come are ready to work and contribute, not those who add to the burden. In addition to conducting strict monitoring of new migrants, Kevin also urged the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to take proactive steps by implementing programmes that can expand job opportunities in the capital. “If not managed seriously, this phenomenon could become a social time bomb. Therefore, the approach cannot be just administrative, but must also be strategic and pro-people,” said Kevin. If the DKI Provincial Government fails to control the influx of new migrants, he assessed that Jakarta residents are at risk of becoming mere spectators in their own city, thus unable to enjoy economic activities within it. “Jakarta must remain open, but it must not lose control. Most importantly, do not let Jakarta residents become spectators in their own city,” Kevin stressed.