'Street children on the bus intimidate me'

Street children are a common sight for Jakartans. Not only small children, but also teenagers beg for coins from commuters and motorists from dusk until dawn. Even though members of the public feel sorry for the young beggars, they don't like being around them. However, the problem remains unsolved.

Tuti, 27, works at a computer shop in Ratu Plaza shopping mall in Central Jakarta. She lives in Bekasi, West Java, and commutes from her house to her office by public bus.

"I've had bad experiences with street musicians on the bus. After they sing, some of them don't just ask for money from passengers but demand it, particularly from women. If I refused to give them money, they stand close to my seat. They intimidate me, especially since I often go home late at night.

I don't know how to help them. I don't know what they want the money for. But I do know that their activities cause problems, particularly for women like me.

I hope our leaders will resolve this problem. It is not only the responsibility of the city administration, but also other leaders, like legislators. I think the root of the problem is economic problems as many people have lost their jobs.

I think our leaders should focus on how to fix the economy."

A. Suharyanto, 38, an employee at a department store in Permata Hijau, South Jakarta. He lives in Pasar Kemis, Tangerang with his wife and son. He has lived in Jakarta and Tangerang for almost 20 years.

"I always feel sorry for street children. They have to spend their precious childhood on the street.

I'd like to give them money even though I know it won't help them learn how to live properly. But the more people give them, the more often they'll beg.

I just cannot understand how their parents could have the heart to force them to work on the street. I realize some of their parents are in dire need, for daily meals for the family, etc., but not all street children come from such a family. It's ridiculous.

The parents intentionally have many children, but they nevertheless don't want to be responsible for their upbringing. Whatever the risks, it should be the parents' responsibility instead of the children's.

As long as there are so many irresponsible parents, I think the number of street children will remain high. Not even the government or non-governmental organizations will be able to cope with the problem."

Second Brig. Antara, a police officer in South Jakarta. He lives in Karawang, West Java, with his wife.

"Seeing street children at many crossroads in Jakarta of course makes me sad. Even though I am a police officer, I still feel sorry for them.

But what can I do? Nothing. As long as they don't harm other people or passersby, I won't do anything.

I once hit them due to their undisciplined ways.

But if they comply with regulations, I won't drive them away. Some officers make use of them as Pak Ogah (unofficial traffic wardens) to regulate traffic, and ask them for cigarette money.

I think it will be hard to eradicate them in the near future. Let the city public order officers do it, not the police." --JP