Ramadan lucrative for beggars
2008-09-05 16:05
Jakarta - Ramadan is a prime time for Muslims to give donations, so it's not surprising the Islamic holy month is the most lucrative season for beggars.
Beggars, including many old people and women with young children, have been flocking to Jakarta for the beginning of Ramadan in early September.
Last year's passage by the Jakarta City Council of a law banning beggars and street hawkers has failed to stop the beggars entering the capital of more than 12 million people. This season a small number of beggars have shifted their activity to shopping malls, traditional markets and bus and railway stations.
"Unlike previous Ramadans, now I have to move my activity over to shopping malls. I don't want to be taken off the streets by the city's law and order officers," said 45-year-old Sumina, who arrived in Jakarta at the end of August, one day before millions of Muslims in the country started to observe Ramadan by refraining from eating, drinking and sex from dawn to dusk.
"I can earn around 30 000 rupiah (about R26) a day from begging. I would not get so much money if I stayed at home because I have no work," Sumina said, showing off her coins and banknotes earned after several hours of begging at Blok M, a famous shopping mall in southern Jakarta.
Ban begging
Many others ignored the newly-approved regulations and carried on begging on busy intersections across Jakarta.
In addition to banning beggars and street hawkers, last year's controversial bylaw on public order prohibits individuals from giving money or goods to beggars.
Offenders are subject to 180 days in jail and a 50m rupiah (about R43 000) fine.
Officials at Jakarta's social welfare office acknowledged a rising number of beggars and street hawkers coinciding with the beginning of the fasting month.
"We estimate the number will increase up to 20% and that it will rise by another 20% closer to Eid ul-Fitr," said Sujadi, an official who like many Indonesians uses only one name. "They are seasonal beggars."
Raids are launched periodically to remove the newcomers from the streets and take them to shelters or back to their hometowns, Sujadi said.
Profit off Ramadan
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the country's highest authority on Islam, has voiced agreement with the governor of Jakarta, Fauzi Bowo, that individuals should not give to beggars, but rather distribute the money to mosques, orphanages or social foundations.
"Ramadan is indeed a month full of blessings. Muslims are encouraged to give alms because Ramadan is a special month for donations," he said. "But just bring the donations to the right places, such as reformatories or orphanages."
While some Jakarta residents are making a profit off Ramadan, others are suffering as a result of dramatic price increases on basic needs. The government has urged retailers not to increase their prices, insisting that food stocks are plentiful.
"I have to make extra calculations now. I have to reduce my family's dishes. No meat, no fish, just vegetables," said Marfuatun, a housewife working as a maid for a neighbouring family.
- SAPA