Poster for the 1992 Stephen Chow movie King of Beggars, which is not actually about organized begging but is still a great kung-fu comedy
Every year during Ramadan, Jakarta sees a flood of beggars hitting the streets. It is widely believed that the majority of these beggars come from outside of Jakarta and are looking to take advantage of people’s increased charitability during the holy month.
It is also widely believed that these beggars are brought into the capital by organized criminal elements who then take the majority of their earnings for themselves, a practice that takes place throughout the year but becomes especially widespread and lucrative during Ramadan.
By and large, these beggar bosses are able to get away with exploiting the poor with impunity. But a new government push to take on the bosses directly should hopefully strike fear into their black hearts.
The head of Jakarta’s Social Welfare department, Chaidir, said his department would begin pursuing beggar bosses under the law, specifically articles related to human trafficking.
“These people with social problems do not come on their own. There must be a coordinator bringing these beggars and homeless people to the capital. Later we will arrest them under trafficking laws,” Chaidir told Kompas today.
Chaidir said the city government was working together with the police to pursue them.He also said beggars from outside Jakarta would be forced to sign documents saying they would not illegally return to the city. If they were caught in the capital again, they would also face criminal charges.
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