DKI Satpol PP Will Take Action On 'Actors' Who Mobilize Beggars In The Month Of Ramadan

Satpol PP and Sudinsos officers netted homeless people at a number of points in Central Jakarta/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA – Beggars during Ramadan are a phenomenon that always exists every year. Even based on residents' complaints, many beggars are mobilized to take advantage of special moments such as the month of Ramadan.

To overcome this, the DKI Jakarta Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) has prepared strict sanctions for those who mobilize beggars to Jakarta during Ramadan 1443 Hijriah.

"The sanction is a maximum imprisonment of 90 days and a maximum fine of Rp. 30 million," said the head of the DKI Jakarta Satpol PP, Arifin, quoting Antara, Friday, April 1.

This was disclosed by Arifin following an assessment by the DKI Jakarta Satpol PP who saw that there were actors related to the number of People with Social Welfare Problems (PMKS), including beggars during Ramadan.

This assessment, according to Arifin, departed from community complaints which indicated that there were parties mobilizing local residents to become beggars in Jakarta during Ramadan.

"There are reports from the community that there are indications like that. If anyone knows that the beggars were mobilized and the public knows, they will report it to the Satpol PP," explained Arifin.

On the other hand, Arifin said that the DKI Jakarta Satpol PP would also impose sanctions on PMKS who take advantage of the month of Ramadan as regulated in Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 8 of 2007 article 40.

"It's a prohibition to carry out begging activities. Of course it can also be subject to sanctions," he said.

The sanctions imposed on PMKS include beggars who carry out activities during Ramadan, which are subject to a maximum imprisonment of 60 days.

"It can be subject to a criminal sanction of imprisonment, a maximum of 60 days. Meanwhile, if a fine is imposed, it is a maximum of 20 million rupiah," said Arifin.

Considering the habit of begging during Ramadan, which tends to become a habit, Arifin stated that his party will educate the netted beggars and the public.

"Currently, we must divert from the habit of giving directly to beggars on the street," said Arifin.