'We have the right to seek a better livelihood'

People from less-developed areas continue to flock to Jakarta seeking work, as an estimated 70 percent of the nation's money is circulating in the capital. However, the administration has prohibited people who have no permanent job or residence from settling in Jakarta after the Idul Fitri holiday. The Jakarta Post asked a few residents what they thought about the policy.

Edy, 33, is a freelance copywriter. He lives in Pulomas, East Jakarta with his family:

I understand that the policy is aimed at curbing the population explosion in this already-crowded city. A greater population would only increase social conflict here.

However, such a consideration cannot justify a policy whereby people are banned from entering the city. There must be an alternative solution, like creating job opportunities in other areas in the country. Remember, people have the constitutional right to seek a better livelihood.

Johan Sarjono, 30, is a reporter with Elshinta radio. He lives in Prumpung, East Jakarta:

As the city's leader, Governor Sutiyoso has the power to prohibit people from coming to the capital. But, I don't think this step alone will curb the massive influx of job seekers to the capital. The administration will find it difficult to differentiate between old-timers and newcomers.

Besides, I observed at Bakauheni Port in Lampung that many young people are seeking work in industrial areas, like Bekasi, Tangerang, and Bogor. I wonder how the Jakarta administration can check them.

This is a problem that should be tackled in a comprehensive manner. Otherwise, efforts like the administration's policy will be completely ineffective.

-- The Jakarta Post