Your comments on the enforcement of a city bylaw that prohibits people from begging and giving alms on the street.
Twenty years ago in Mexico, there where these huge billboards along the roads saying, "Please help us keep our children at school, do not give to or buy from children."
If an unskilled worker can earn Rp 23,000 for a hard day's labor, and if a kid can easily make Rp 20,000 (or get beaten up by his parents), how on Earth are you going to get the kid going to school?
When two years ago, I was installing the new kitchen in my restaurant, there was this adult beggar (no legs) on the street, receiving alms, and I thought to myself why not? I offered the guy a job doing dishes and cleaning veggies at the sink, yet to be adapted to his handicap. He kindly refused.
Dirk St-Niklaas
Jakarta
I agree. It is a crime to encourage beggars to bring babies with them, most often not their own, to the polluted streets of big cities to exploit people's compassion for money.
Andoko Darta
Jakarta
I don't agree because almsgivers only want to show their sympathy to all beggars by giving them money or food, and it is also our right to show some mercy for those who are less fortunate.
Fitria
Jakarta
The economic condition nowadays made them like that. So if the government really wants to do that, I think they must prepare a solution. Create some projects for them to work on, or send them back to their hometowns.
Deni Asuka
Jakarta
I disagree. The government should deal more wisely than giving punishment. Those people are doing that because there aren't many jobs that can give them a living.
So the government should create some jobs or skills for them to use, which would probably reduce the number of beggars. But in my point of view, punishment is not the way to go; it could create injustice among the poorest who are just trying to make a living.
Melati
Hong Kong
I don't agree at all. Don't punish them; instead, give them the opportunity to work so they can take care of their lives.
Suzana Zeigler
Ocean Springs, US
We can't just punish beggars; we should give them an education and skills through training too. Give them a place to live, so they don't have to become beggars!
Yoseva Silaen
Jakarta
I agree with the ban. Such a crackdown will force people to get a job. The government should also create more jobs for them.
Vini
Jakarta
As a regular visitor to Padang in West Sumatra, what struck me was the general absence of beggars. In fact, I was only accosted by someone begging on my last trip in 2008. Begging is a way of life here in Cape Town, and is an eyesore, as well as annoys tourists and local people.
Despite the efforts of welfare agencies, many women use their children to beg. Begging is a cancer that grows and grows. Jakarta would do itself a favor by enforcing the city bylaws against the practice.
Many of our street children are incorrigible and continue to live on the streets and use solvents to get high. They often also commit crimes such as mugging and theft from motor vehicles to fund their addiction.
They know no other life other than the street. What does the future hold if the authorities do not enforce laws enacted to discourage anti-social behavior? The majority of law-abiding people will be the losers.
Edward Concar
Cape Town
The almsgivers only make things worse. We're supposed to work ourselves up, because being lazy can destroy us. As for the beggars, I don't know what your "God" teaches you; Does begging and being lazy represent your God as it really is?
Jeffrey
Jakarta
Your comments on the enforcement of a city bylaw that prohibits people from begging and giving alms on the street.
