Street urchins seek government recognition

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)