Jakarta's newcomers

Jakarta's newcomers

From Neraca

Jakarta's governor, Surjadi Soedirdja, always warns people who
spend their Idul Fitri holidays in their home towns not to bring
their relatives with them when they return to Jakarta.

The governor has also instructed district and village chiefs
not to process the papers of newcomers to Jakarta if they prove
not to have permanent jobs.

Do the people heed the governor's warning? According to media
reports, many of the holidaymakers come back to Jakarta bringing
their relatives. After this year's Idul Fitri celebrations, it is
estimated that 300,000 new arrivals will join Jakarta's
population of nine million.

In my opinion, the Jakarta administration does not really
prevent people from coming to Jakarta to try their luck. What we
must do is to give the newcomers essential information on how to
be good and orderly Jakarta residents, and thus be a benefit to
Jakarta.

ARDY APRIDANTO

Bekasi, West Java