Scavengers evict hoodlums

Scavengers evict hoodlums

JAKARTA (JP): More than 150 scavengers in Cilincing, North Jakarta, joined forces Thursday to stand up to street hoodlums trying to drive them out of the area.

The scavengers, many who have lived in the area for over 15 years, said the hoodlums have destroyed their huts and belongings and threatened to physically harm them if they resisted.

The residents rushed out of their huts, unfurling protest banners and shouting shouted at the youths.

"A group of street hoodlums and people in uniforms have been hanging around here over the past week. They are trying to force us to abandon this area," said Yohanis Lawang, one of the scavengers.

Kompas reported that the scavengers occupy the 16 hectare area, which has been reserved as a garbage dump by the local administration. (pan)