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)