'We have the right to seek a better livelihood'

'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