Jl. Jaksa forms forum to protect foreigners

Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Amid the ongoing anti-U.S. protests, residents and businesspeople in Jl. Jaksa, a small street in Central Jakarta popular among backpackers, have taken the initiative in establishing a community forum to protect foreigners.

Residents of Jl. Jaksa, and representatives of hotels, restaurants and small shops along the street established on Wednesday the Community Communications Forum Against Sweeping of Foreigners (sic).

With the establishment of the forum, residents will intensify their 24-hour patrols on the street to keep out intruders who might cause harm to tourists staying on or just visiting the street, Max Wekan, deputy chief of the forum told The Jakarta Post.

"Should there be groups or individuals who try to enter the street and cause a disturbance, we will negotiate with them first. If that fails, we will call for police assistance," he explained, adding that the forum had no intention of clashing with other groups.

The forum was established in response to the continuing anti- U.S. protests and threats by hard-line groups, including the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), to expel Westerners should America continue attacking Afghanistan.

A group of FPI members attempted to enter Jl. Jaksa on Wednesday afternoon but were immediately barred by local residents.

Around 100 community forum members went to the Kebon Sirih subdistrict office on Jl. Jaksa on Wednesday to ask for the blessing of the subdistrict head, Sutopo.

Sutopo noted that his office, along with the Menteng Police, would assuredly support the forum.

Local people who reside on the street have a vested interest in protecting tourists in their area as most of the locals make their living from the backpackers.

"The hotels and restaurants here make their profits from the presence of tourists, while other residents earn a living by acting as temporary tourist guides. Therefore, we feel the need to protect foreigners here," said Boy Lawalata, a resident of Jl. Jaksa and member of the forum.

Meanwhile, small hotels and internet cafes along the street complained about the drastic losses they had suffered since the escalation of tension in Jakarta.

"Guests at our hotel have been checking out since Monday when the U.S. attacked Afghanistan, as advised by their embassies," Rahmatullah, a receptionist of the Margot Hotel told the Post adding that his last five overseas guests were due to check out on Thursday.

"We are the most affected by this situation, by this security uncertainty because we make our living from them (the tourists)," she said.

The manager of the Click Internet cafe, Endang Wahyuningsih, reiterated the same concerns.

"This place used to make around Rp 500,000 (US$ 49.25) a day, but now we are lucky if we earn Rp 100,000," said Endang.

"We welcome the residents' efforts to set up this forum because the threat (of a witch-hunt against foreigners) truly affects us all," she added.