Population office targets residents with no papers
Population office targets residents with no papers
JAKARTA (JP): The municipal population office initiated an
operation at 13 low-cost apartments throughout the city
yesterday, arresting residents, including foreigners, who lacked
the necessary identity documents.
Soedarsono, head of the population office's special
registration department, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the
operation is intended to detect anyone, including foreigners,
renting apartments by bribing the concerned officials.
"The operation will last until Nov. 12," Soedarsono said,
adding that the operation was launched in response to complaints
filed by residents of low-cost apartments in Penjaringan to the
City Council. The residents questioned the legality of their
eviction.
They said that there are a lot of newcomers, who don't have
Jakarta identity cards, staying at the apartments.
The current "Justice Operation" was initiated under orders
from the City Council because people who do not have the proper
identification documents, whether they are Indonesians or
foreigners, have no right to rent the apartments.
Soedarsono said that the operation is focusing on apartments
in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, and Tambora, West Jakarta.
When asked about the result of the first day of the operation,
Soedarsono said that the data were not yet available. "Wait until
the operation is completed," he said.
Foreigners
Commenting on complaints that there are no announcements or
posters in public places requiring foreigners to carry passports,
or their temporary residence cards, Soedarsono said that it's a
general rule that foreigners are required to have their
passports, or other identity cards, with them every time they
leave home.
The lack of public announcements is believed to have led to
many foreigners being fined for not having their papers with
them.
"I think it's obvious that foreigners should carry their
passports wherever they go. Indonesians are also required to do
so when they go abroad," Soedarsono said.
He added that his office does not plan to display posters or
make announcements concerning the policy at the airport or
anywhere else.
He said that the current operation is aimed at detecting
foreigners who are illegally working with tourist visas.
Soedarsono also explained that his office, in cooperation with
the immigration office and the police, plans to conduct a joint
operation checking on companies which hire foreigners to
determine whether they have working permits and the other
necessary documents.
"The joint operation will be launched later this month,"
Soedarsono said. He added that the joint operation is expected to
net as many illegal workers as possible. (yns)