Prevent Mobilization Ahead Of Lebaran, Satpol PP Threats To Criminalize Beggars Who Use Minors

Illustration of a beggar carrying a toddler on the road (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Head of the Central Jakarta Civil Service Police Unit (Kasatpol PP) Bernard Tambunan stated that he would take firm action against beggars who involve minors to earn money on the streets.

"Don't involve underage children because if that happens, we will follow up on their parents and report them officially because it violates the rules," he told VOI, Sunday, April 24.

Involving minors, said Bernard, is strictly prohibited. He also appealed to beggars not to use minors to beg.

"We urge you not to involve children (to beg). Because in the Child Protection Act it is prohibited. Otherwise they will be punished," he said.

Bernard also explained that his party was still investigating the presence of the PMKS coordinator in Central Jakarta. Because, until now it has not found the coordinator of the PMKS.

"Until now we are still investigating, hopefully in Central Jakarta there is no coordinator (PMKS). So far we have not found any indications there," he said.

While related to the approaching Eid al-Fitr, Bernard also warned that there would be no mobilization of beggars, buskers, manusia gerobak and others.

"Especially in Central Jakarta, there should be no mastermind behind the mobilization for this PMKS, because we will look for it. I remind the person behind the mobilization in Central Jakarta that we will take firm action," he said.