Sutiyoso blames migrants for prevailing urban woes

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Governor Sutiyoso said on Friday the large number of migrants pouring into Jakarta looking for work was to blame for many of the city's problems.

"The large number of people migrating here and looking for jobs in the city takes up much of our attention," Sutiyoso said.

"That is why we have to do something about all the migrants coming into the city. I would advise people who are going home for Idul Fitri not to bring their relatives and friends with them when they return to Jakarta," said the governor, who is originally from Semarang, Central Java.

Every year, between 200,000 and 250,000 mostly unskilled migrants come to Jakarta to earn money. Many of these people are coming from areas of the country that offer few employment opportunities.

Jakarta has become a magnet for residents of less developed areas of the country, with an estimated 70 percent of all the money in Indonesia circulating in the capital.

Most of the unskilled migrants end up working in the informal sector as maids, construction workers or scavengers. Others establish small businesses like food stalls or kiosks.

The City Population Agency said earlier it would intensify its identity card checks at entry points to the city such as railway stations and bus terminals seven days before and after Idul Fitri.

Newly issued city Bylaw No. 4/2004 on population requires residents to possess the necessary documents, such as a Jakarta identity card or documents showing that he or she has a permanent job and residence in the city.

"We will send anyone who fails to produce the necessary documents back to their hometown or village," Sutiyoso said.

Human rights activists have criticized this policy, saying it violates "the constitutional right of mobility and the right to earn a livelihood".