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)