religious thinking goes that if you want to score points with God and increase your chances of getting into heaven, then you should give money to the needy, especially during Ramadan. The Ulema Association of Indonesia has issued a fatwa against begging, but it is widely ignored. Therefore, there are thousands of people, mostly in western Java, flooding in the national capital to solicit alms. Some made their own way here, while others are supported by criminal organizations that take half their earnings.
Indonesia has not reached the stage of India, where there are long reports of children with amputated limbs for the most successful beggars do. Instead, Jakarta has sustained activity in the babies rental for Rp.50,000 day. Obviously, every woman holding a baby and seeking alms is part of the so-called begging mafia. But if you go through certain streets every day, you can begin to recognize the same women using different infants.
A good beggar can collect from Rp.70,000 to Rp.200,000 per day. That beats working for minimum wage, which in West Java is only Rp.850,000 a month. One of the first places is begging outside the Istiqlal mosque. Also popular are the traffic lights at major intersections.
Many independent beggars live in single rented accommodation next to the shore and railway lines. If they fail to pay the thugs and agents of law enforcement, they can risk expulsion lucrative areas. organized beggars are trucked out of the city at night to sleep in a warehouse in Bogor and Tangerang.
Begging is a profession, do not misunderstand. They sell penance for people buying peace of mind. On the pedestrian bridge near my apartment is a young woman who sits there all day, with outstretched hand. Sometimes she splashed white mud on her leg for effect. "Give me money for food," she asks. Last week, I offered a meal at a stall near food. She refused, saying she was "busy" because he was 6pm and many commuters passed, so I should come back later to buy her dinner.
Some beggars are school students, eager to get money for spending the holiday period after fasting Lebaran. others are saving money for something tuition down payments on a motorcycle or even a house. It is disconcerting to be asked for money by overweight people.
begging and give money to beggars in Jakarta are prohibited under a 2007 regulation, which provides for maximum penalties of 60 days in prison and a fine Rp.20 million. the authorities conduct regular raids against beggars. in the past, child beggars were at risk of being beaten and imprisoned in a dark rehabilitation center for the homeless. Those arrested could pay Rp.50,000 for instant escape, while those who are incarcerated said much more had to be paid for the release. new administration in Jakarta has adopted a softer approach. Governor Joko Widodo has ordered officials of public order to continue the raids, but to stop using violence. Deputy Governor Basuki Purnama announced a crackdown against gangs who exploit children and babies, and plans to provide vocational training to former street children.
Beggars in Harmoni in Central Jakarta say there have been several raids this month, but officials leave everyone with a warning to stop begging. In West Jakarta, officials expect raids to nab beggars up to 100 per day. In South Jakarta, officials of public policy monitor key intersections and published a brochure informing people to ignore the beggars.
The charity should not be for a month of the year. There are reputable local charities that help orphans or street children, or those who provide the needy with professional skills and capital to start small businesses. You can also discreetly give the money to a scavenger who earns less than a beggar.
Theoretically, the government should provide social security, but a social safety net will not discourage beggars if people continue to give. Islamic charities administer Zakat (tithes - a percentage of revenues) and sedekah (almsgiving, often food, clothing and cash). If you do not engage in philanthropy, will feel no less ruthless if you ignore these miserable children tapping on the window of your car?