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| A lecturer in the Social Welfare study program at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Eko Rizqi Purwo Widodo, MSW. (Photo: Devi PR) |
Recently, the content of beggars who pretend to be disabled has gone viral on social media. This caught the attention of a lecturer in the Social Welfare study program at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Eko Rizqi Purwo Widodo, MSW. He reminds the public of the regulations from related departments, including the Social Service department, which prohibit the public from giving money to beggars. It can make the beggar dependent. In the end, it can be made into a job. Especially if you see the results of begging, the amount you get is quite a lot and can exceed the minimum wage.
"If we want to express our philanthropic spirit, we don't have to give money to beggars," said Eko.
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He also mentioned that giving donations or help through official institutions and foundations that the government has recognized makes the distribution of our philanthropic spirit more focused. For example, it could be given to Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah (ZIS) institutions, orphanages, religious places, and other social institutions.
Eko explained that the beggar phenomenon is a social problem that takes work. All stakeholders have the responsibility for this problem. He says the government needs to be more assertive in legal action against beggars and givers.
"To reduce or eliminate the beggars in our society, the rules that have been made should be implemented properly. People who give money to beggars should be given strict penalties according to the regulations to give them a deterrent effect. If the person who gives money to beggars is deterred from their behaviour, then this will reduce the population of beggars," he added.
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Eko also explained that the existence of beggars is the result of poverty. Poverty is caused by various factors, one of which is poor education. Therefore, education is the main solution to solve this poverty problem.
It is difficult to reduce the population of beggars on the street. Even though the social service department has rehabilitated the beggars and tried to reduce their number, new ones will replace them. According to Eko, one of the main factors that can break the chain is the availability of job vacancies.
"If possible, the government provides these beggars with jobs that suit their capabilities. Thus, they can earn money from these jobs. Therefore, it can reduce or even eliminate their street activities," he concluded. (Dev/Wil/Put)
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