Seasonal beggars flock to Depok
DEPOK: The fasting month of Ramadhan has an influx of beggars moving to Depok to seek donations from observant Muslims.
Antara reported the beggars, mostly farmers from villages in East and West Java, had taken up positions in strategic locations in Depok’s downtown area.
Depok Baru railway station and busy streets such as Jl Raya Margonda, Jl Nusantara, Jl Arif Rahman Hakim and Jl Siliwangi were favorite spots.
“People performing fasting are usually willing to donate, so here we are,” said one beggar from Kediri, East Java.
“I hope we can get more donations so we can celebrate (Idul Fitri) holidays at home.”
Despite the flood of beggars being an annual occurrence in Depok, many people have not become used to it.
“Sometimes they’re too pushy. If it’s donation, it must be voluntarily, not by force,” train commuter Sunarto said. –JP
Source: The Jakarta Post
Add comment September 21st, 2007