Seasonal beggars flock to Bandjarmasin

BANDJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Many groups of seasonal beggars from outlying regions have converged on the provincial capital on the eve of the Idul Fitri holiday.

Many of the beggars, including school-age children, have been operating on the streets, government offices and housing compounds in the city.

The presence of seasonal beggars also adversely affects traffic in the city as they do not seem to obey traffic regulations while begging on thoroughfares or crowded streets, according to police.

The chairman of the City Legislative Council's Commission E on Social Affairs, Bastian Thaib, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of seasonal beggars in the city, saying their presence had tarnished the city's image.

He called on local police to seek a solution on how to keep the city free of beggars.

"We also call on the wealthier residents to donate money to the city authorities so we can distribute it to the beggars.

"But, it would better for local businessmen to employ the beggars, most of whom are of working age, between 20 and 40," he added. --Antara