Large influx of newcomers expected

Large influx of newcomers expected

JAKARTA (JP): About 200,000 newcomers are expected to enter
the capital along with millions of residents returning home after
the Idul Fitri holiday, head of the City Population Agency
Sjahrin Lumban Toruan said on Sunday.

"Last year some 2.6 million local residents left the capital
for the Idul Fitri holiday. About 2.8 million entered the capital
following last year's holiday ... our estimate is about 200,000
(newcomers)," Sjahrin told reporters.

Sjahrin earlier said the number of newcomers entering the
capital after the 1998 Idul Fitri holiday totaled some 350,000
people.

"Those who enter Jakarta without official documents will be
sanctioned according to city bylaw No. 1/1996, which means either
a three-month imprisonment or a fine of Rp 50,000 (US$7),"
Sjahrin said.

Governor Sutiyoso has repeatedly reminded residents returning
to the capital not to bring friends or relatives unless they have
skills to offer employers.

"If newcomers do not have adequate skills, they will have
almost no hope of finding work in Jakarta. Additional residents
in Jakarta will cram the already packed slum areas," Sutiyoso
once said.

Gubernatorial Decree No. 160/1998 on guidelines to
registration states that individuals intending to reside in the
capital should meet certain prerequisites and conditions, city
official Tursandi said.

"The requirements include providing documents stating that
they have moved from their hometowns, letters guaranteeing a
place to reside in the city and work papers," Tursandi explained.
(ylt)