Jakarta DPRD Supports Human Control of Wheelbarrows During Ramadan

Illustration of a human cart on one of the Jakarta Street sections (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Member of the E Commission of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Farah Savira, supports the DKI Provincial Government's steps in disciplining human carts that often appear during Ramadan at a number of points in the capital.

According to Farah, the discipline against the Social Welfare Service (PPKS) was not intended to prevent people from giving alms. He assessed that this step was necessary so that public spaces were not increasingly filled with begging activities.

"We fully support the regulation of this human cart, especially during Ramadan. Our intention is certainly to increase charity in the holy month, but this regulation is important so that we do not get used to or invite more residents to beg in public spaces," Farah told reporters, Friday, February 20.

He assessed that without clear arrangements, the phenomenon of human carts has the potential to attract migrants from outside Jakarta to come and beg on the streets, especially when the intensity of alms increases in the fasting month.

However, Farah reminded that handling the problem could not stop at raids or discipline alone. He emphasized the importance of sustainable coaching so that PPKS have alternative livelihoods.

For this reason, Farah encouraged intensive cooperation with the DKI Jakarta Social Service (Dinsos). According to him, Dinsos has social homes that can be used as shelters and at the same time as training.

"Construction can be done through cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs. They have a home that can be a place of training. There can also be training so that homeless people have skills and opportunities to earn an income, not just asking," he said.

He also emphasized that the approach taken must still prioritize the humanitarian side, so that the discipline is not merely moving the problem from one location to another, but actually providing a long-term solution for the PPKS.