Beggars and Metropolitan Cities

Beggars are common to metropolitan cities. These people can be found in many areas---during traffic, on the streets or even sometimes they come up to you and ask for the kindness of your heart and a spare change. It is hard not to feel bad for these people and ending up giving the spare change they asks for. However, this must change. We should not give beggars money, although it is hard not to. This might come up as surprising, but it's actually illegal and causes negative impacts towards the beggars themselves and the social surroundings.

First, there are some laws that prohibit the act of begging. The Indonesia Criminal Code (KUHP) states that beggars who beg in public can receive up to six weeks imprisonment. If the act of begging also involves three or more people aged 16 and above, the individuals also can face a maximum of three months imprisonment. Jakarta Bylaw no 8/2007 also states that beggars and people that gives them money can both be punished. This strengthens why people should not give beggars money.

Another reason why we should not easily give money to beggars is because this may encourages them to consider begging as a way to find easy money. The negative effect may include making them lazy, incompetent, and dependent on the kindness of society. Take these two 'rich' senior beggars called Wayan and Sa'aran that were reported in Tempo's news website. When they were caught by the officials from Jakarta Social Service Agency, they stated that they managed to collect Rp25 million as a result of only two weeks begging in the streets. This proves of how easy it is to get money from begging. If this continues, it will make some people lazy to search for appropriate jobs and rather see begging as a way of living. 

Apart from that, apparently some beggars have their own community and their act is planned.  Authorities from Jakarta Social Welfare Agency stated that around 500 arrested beggars were from organized groups, they were gathered from rural villages and then sent them to Jakarta. This makes the already crowded capital city even more crowded. Moreover, because they came from villages, they might not have a place to stay or sleep, therefore they might sleep in places that does not qualify as a proper place (example : by the sidewalks, abandoned buildings). These places doesn't qualify as a proper living space and also not safe for these people. 

Beggars and the act of begging are a problem that has to be solved. This is why the people and the government should work together to solve it. People should consider to  give the money to social homes or charity organizations instead.  This way, the organization can manage the money to buy the people in need food, other crucial needs, even to provide homes or jobs. 

The government also should execute the law strictly and open jobs spots for the beggars, so that they don't need to beg anymore.  This action also correlate with the Sustainable Development Goals created by the United Nations, which is Goal Number 1, No Poverty. By doing the beggars justice (by executing the law strictly), providing them with jobs, homes, and great living condition--we also, at the same time, contributing a part to reach the goal.

References :

• http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/07/20/by-way-beggars-to-give-or-not-give.html
• https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2013/12/02/080534096/Do-Not-Pity-Beggars                         
• http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/06/world/asia/06jakarta.html