VIVAnews - A number of city parks is starting to have a different function. The green open space has become a settlement for the homeless, as seen in Manggarai Park.
The park which is located in front of Manggarai train station in South Jakarta has lost its attractiveness. It is now, seen on Wednesday, April 8, in a vile condition. The park' fences were packed by laundries. Card box and old newspaper for sleeping mats were scattered all around the fading park's grass.
Juhaeri (33) a local who lives close to the park expected the government to immediately act before the homeless people's number increased. "If there are too many of them, it'll be hard to control it," he said.
The community is worried with the homeless who live at the park. They want the park to be made back to its previous function as a green open space. Furthermore, the homeless' presence also violates the Regional Regulation No. 8/2007 on Public Order.
The head for operation of the South Jakarta public order officials (Satpol PP) Bambang Budi Wibowo said that the office has not received any complaint yet concerning the park's condition. "We will make a coordination with our officers in the area," he said.
Not only Manggarai Park, several city parks as in Blok M, Pasar Minggu, Kebayoran Lama, and Lebak Bulus have been changed into a settlement for the homeless. The parks become a destination for the homeless.
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Translated by: Ariyantri E. Tarman
