Beware of the Surge of Arrivals After Eid, DPRD Requests DKI Provincial Government to Tighten Supervision 

ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Alim

JAKARTA - Member of Commission A of the DKI Jakarta DPRD from the Indonesian Solidarity Party Faction, Kevin Wu, highlighted the potential for a surge in migrants to Jakarta after the Eid al-Fitr holiday. He assessed that this annual phenomenon needs to be anticipated seriously because it has a direct impact on the social and economic conditions of the capital.

"This phenomenon of a spike in post-Eid arrivals is routine every year, and must be taken seriously because the impact is directly felt by Jakarta residents," Kevin told reporters, Friday, March 27.

Kevin assessed that the influx of large numbers of immigrants has the potential to increase city density and tighten competition in the already limited job market. This condition, according to him, could have an impact on increasing the unemployment rate and triggering new social problems.

"It needs to be emphasized, the government's main priority must remain on the protection and welfare of Jakarta residents who have lived and contributed to this city. Don't let our own residents be marginalized by the uncontrolled flow of incoming immigrants," he said.

On the other hand, Kevin emphasized that Jakarta must remain open to anyone who wants to find a livelihood. However, this openness must not be without clear control from the local government.

"We in the DPRD see that Jakarta cannot close itself, but it also cannot be too loose without control. Because the fact is, many immigrants come without skills and without job security so, in the end, it adds to the unemployment rate, triggers social problems, and increases the burden on public facilities," he said.

As a precautionary measure, Kevin encouraged the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to tighten the system for tracking new arrivals down to the smallest neighborhood level.

"Therefore, we encourage the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to take more decisive steps, including by tightening the data collection of new arrivals through Dukcapil to the RT/RW level, and ensuring that each migrant has a clear identity, a definite purpose, and a decent place to live," he suggested.

He also proposed a selective policy based on economic readiness for immigrants who want to try their luck in Jakarta.

Not only about supervision, Kevin emphasized the importance of proactive steps from the government in expanding employment opportunities, especially for local residents.

According to him, without serious management, the post-Lebaran influx of migrants has the potential to become a long-term problem for Jakarta.

"If it is not managed seriously, this phenomenon can become a social time bomb. Therefore, the approach is not enough just administrative, but also strategic and partisan," said Kevin.

Kevin also reminded, the failure to control the flow of urbanization can make Jakarta residents isolated from economic activities in their own city.

"Jakarta must remain open, but must not lose control. And most importantly, don't let Jakarta residents become spectators in their own city," he added.