With Idul Fitri over, many Jakartans who went pulang kampung for the holiday are now returning to the capital. A large number of them will be accompanied by relatives or friends making their way to the capital for the first time, part of an annual wave of post-Idul Fitri immigrants that sees the capital’s population swell after every Lebaran.
In past years, the Jakarta Government has taken a tough stance against this influx of immigrants, many of whom are unprepared for life in the big city. But Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has taken a slightly softer tone this year, saying new immigrants to Jakarta are welcome, if they have money.
Ahok was joking, but just a little bit. He said the government is happy to welcome newcomers to Jakarta if they have jobs and housing (meaning they won’t just add to the city’s poverty and illegal slums).
Further softening the stance, apparently the Jakarta Government is going to give post-Idul Fitri a 14-day grace period in which to get their shit together by finding and proving they have a job and a proper place to live.
“After 14 days, precisely 21 days after Lebaran, we will conduct legal operations, around August 7,” said Edison Sian, head of the Jakarta Civil Population Department, as quoted by MetroTV.
According to Edison, new residents will only be allowed to stay in Jakarta if they have formal employment and legal residence. “Do not try to live on riverbanks, reservoirs or along the edge of the railroad tracks, or you will definitely be disciplined. But if you have a job, please settle. We are open and grateful,” he said.
Edison said he would send a letter to all neighborhood and village heads to keep track of new citizens living in their areas. Those who are found not to have a job and a place to stay will be recorded and returned to their hometown.
