Sutiyoso blames migrants for prevailing urban woes

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".