Street urchins seek government recognition

JAKARTA (JP): Fifty street children visited the National Commission on Human Rights to hand over what they called "Street Children's Declaration", urging the government to recognize their existence.

The children came from Jakarta and Bekasi and demanded that the government leave them in peace and stop chasing them off the streets and away from bus terminals and treat them as human beings.

"We are not criminals, we just want to make money for our daily needs. We demand the government eliminate the city public order office, and stop land appropriation which results in demolitions or evictions. We want to be free to do our jobs," the children stated in their declaration.

They also stated: "We, the poor children who live on river banks, at waste dumps, and on the streets declare that we too have dignity. Please do not neglect us, even though we are deprived."

The declaration was a result of last week's jamboree in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. The three-day jamboree was participated in by 200 street children, scavengers, street singers and those living in areas prone to flood or eviction.

The children, who were accompanied by representatives of Jakarta Social Institute, a non-governmental organization, were received by member of the commission Brig. Gen. (Ret) Roekmini Koesoemo Astoeti.

"They suffer various kinds of torture, being caught by city officials, beaten and labeled as criminals. They are just unfortunate children who are trying to survive," said Anton, the spokesman for Jakarta Social Institute. The institute deals with many urban issues.

The government should stop hurting these children because it will not solve the problem, Anton said. "All they need is a little respect from the government."

Anton also said that attempts to put them in orphanages or place them in foster homes would be fruitless because the children have become accustomed to their own subculture.

"They have their own culture and they have proved they can survive in a tough world. Don't put them in a system which is strange to them," Anton said.

"It is also important for the country to have a special commission on children's rights," Anton told Roekmini.

Roekmini said that the rights body will discuss the matter with the government as well as related offices. (yns/25)