Illustration. (Kompas/Priyombodo)

A beggar with Rp 43.9 million (US$3,181) in cash on his person was arrested, together with dozens of other beggars during an operation conducted by South Jakarta'€™s City Social Agency early on Saturday.

Beritajakarta.com reported that the beggar was arrested asking for money on Jl. Pattimura, Kebayoran Baru.

'€œWe found Rp 43.9 million in a plastic bag of an old male beggar wearing shabby clothes near the Youth Monument on Jl. Pattimura,'€ said April Astuti, head of South Jakarta Social Agency Office'€™s service and rehabilitation division on Saturday.

She said the social officers did not find any identity card on the beggar, who said that his name was Ahmad Mutali, his age was 40 years old and that he came from Palembang, South Sumatra.

Ahmad is now under the custody of the City Social Agency and is staying at Cipayung social rehabilitation center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

Begging is illegal in Jakarta. Both beggars and people who give to them can be punished under the existing regulations. But there are still many beggars, including children, operating in many corners of the city, including at busy intersections. (bbn)(+)

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