The Reality of Homelessness and Begging in Medan City

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 92 views

Homelessness and begging are social problems that often arise in big cities, including the city of Medan. Poverty factors, migration from village to city, and various other factors become the main trigger for the emergence of this problem. Medan City Government through the Medan City Social Service seeks to overcome this problem by referring to Medan City Regional Regulation No. 6 of 2003 concerning the prohibition of homeless and beggars and immoral practices in Medan City.

The Reality of Homelessness and Begging in Medan City

Although various efforts have been made, the reality on the ground shows that the existence of homeless people and beggars is still seen in various corners of the city, especially at the crossroads. This is a concerning issue that requires immediate attention and action from the government, community, and other stakeholders. The presence of homeless people and beggars not only affects their own well-being but also has a negative impact on the social and economic environment of the city.

Prevention Strategy Applied by Medan City Social Service

Medan City Social Service implements three main strategies in tackling the problems of homeless and beggars:

1. Operation: Control and Securing Homeless People and Beggars

Medan City Social Service performs control operations in areas prone to homeless and beggars. This operation involves the Medan City Civil Service Police Unit and aims to secure and bring them to temporary shelters. The operation is carried out to prevent homeless people and beggars from causing trouble and to provide them with assistance and support.

2. Data Collection: Understanding the Background and Needs of Homeless People and Beggars

Data collection on homeless people and beggars who are netted by operations is an essential step in understanding their background and needs. This data collection includes identity, origin, and curriculum vitae. This information is important to formulate the right prevention strategy and provide targeted assistance and support.

3. Facilitating Return to Area of Origin

For those who come from outside the city, the Medan City Social Service seeks to facilitate their return to the area of origin. This is done to help them reconnect with their families and communities, and to provide them with support and assistance in reintegrating into society.

Support from Various Parties

In carrying out efforts to overcome homeless and beggars, Medan City Social Service received support from various parties, such as:

Medan City Civil Service Police Unit: Assistance in Operation

The Medan City Civil Service Police Unit assists in the process of operating on the control of homeless people and beggars. Their support is crucial in ensuring the success of the operation and providing a safe and secure environment for both the homeless people and beggars and the community.

North Sumatra Province Social Service: Technical Assistance and Mentoring

The North Sumatra Province Social Service provides technical assistance and mentoring in the implementation of the Management Program. Their expertise and guidance are invaluable in helping Medan City Social Service to develop and implement effective strategies to overcome homelessness and begging.

Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI): Assistance in Protection and Fulfillment of Rights

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) provides assistance in terms of protection and fulfillment of the rights of children who are homeless and beggars. Their support is crucial in ensuring that the rights of these children are protected and that they receive the necessary assistance and support.

Constraints and Solutions

Although various efforts have been made, the Medan City Social Service still faces a number of obstacles in dealing with homeless people and beggars, including:

Limitations of Facilities: Lack of Rehabilitation Homes

The lack of rehabilitation homes managed by the Medan City Social Service is the main obstacle in the rehabilitation process of homeless people and beggars. This limitation hinders the ability of the social service to provide adequate and standard care and support to those in need.

Lack of Preventive Efforts: Absence of Preventive Program

The absence of a preventive program to prevent the emergence of homeless people and new beggars is one of the causes of continuing this problem. This lack of preventive efforts hinders the ability of the social service to address the root causes of homelessness and begging.

To overcome these obstacles, several solutions can be done, namely:

Improvement of Facilities: Construction of Rehabilitation Homes

Adequate and standard rehabilitation home construction will be very helpful in the rehabilitation process of homeless people and beggars. This will provide them with a safe and secure environment to receive the necessary care and support.

Application of Preventive Programs: Community-Based Counseling and Education

The formation of preventive programs that involve the community, such as counseling and education about the dangers of becoming homeless and beggars, will be very effective in preventing the emergence of this problem. This will help to raise awareness and understanding of the issue and provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to prevent homelessness and begging.

The Importance of Community Participation

The problem of homeless and beggars is a shared responsibility. The community needs to play an active role in preventing and overcoming this problem by:

Not Giving Money: Breaking the Poverty Cycle

Giving money to homeless and beggars will actually strengthen the poverty cycle and encourage them to continue to beg. Instead, the community can provide them with food, clothing, and other essential items that will help them to reintegrate into society.

Reporting: Providing Assistance and Support

If you find homeless people and beggars, the community can report to the Medan City Social Service so that they can get proper assistance and handling. This will help to ensure that they receive the necessary care and support to overcome their situation.

Being Volunteers: Joining Social Organizations and Institutions

Communities can join social organizations or institutions that focus on helping homeless and beggars. This will provide them with the opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to the solution of this problem.

With the cooperation and commitment of all parties, it is hoped that the problems of homeless and beggars in the city of Medan can be handled effectively and sustainably.

In this article, we will address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about homelessness and begging in Medan City. We hope that this will provide you with a better understanding of the issue and the efforts being made to address it.

Q: What are the main causes of homelessness and begging in Medan City?

A: The main causes of homelessness and begging in Medan City are poverty, migration from village to city, and various other factors. These factors can lead to individuals and families becoming homeless and forced to beg for survival.

Q: What is being done to address homelessness and begging in Medan City?

A: The Medan City Social Service is implementing various strategies to address homelessness and begging, including control operations, data collection, and facilitation of return to area of origin. Additionally, the social service is receiving support from various parties, such as the Medan City Civil Service Police Unit, North Sumatra Province Social Service, and Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI).

Q: What are the challenges faced by the Medan City Social Service in addressing homelessness and begging?

A: The Medan City Social Service faces several challenges in addressing homelessness and begging, including limitations of facilities, lack of preventive efforts, and limited resources.

Q: How can the community participate in addressing homelessness and begging in Medan City?

A: The community can participate in addressing homelessness and begging in Medan City by not giving money to homeless and beggars, reporting them to the Medan City Social Service, and joining social organizations or institutions that focus on helping homeless and beggars.

Q: What are the benefits of addressing homelessness and begging in Medan City?

A: Addressing homelessness and begging in Medan City can have several benefits, including reducing poverty and inequality, improving public health and safety, and promoting social cohesion and community development.

Q: How can individuals and organizations get involved in addressing homelessness and begging in Medan City?

A: Individuals and organizations can get involved in addressing homelessness and begging in Medan City by volunteering with social organizations or institutions that focus on helping homeless and beggars, donating resources and materials, and advocating for policies and programs that address homelessness and begging.

Q: What is the role of the government in addressing homelessness and begging in Medan City?

A: The government plays a crucial role in addressing homelessness and begging in Medan City by providing resources and support to social organizations and institutions, implementing policies and programs that address homelessness and begging, and ensuring that the rights of homeless and beggars are protected.

Q: How can we measure the success of efforts to address homelessness and begging in Medan City?

A: The success of efforts to address homelessness and begging in Medan City can be measured by tracking the number of homeless and beggars, the number of individuals and families who have been assisted, and the overall impact on poverty and inequality in the city.

Q: What are the long-term goals of addressing homelessness and begging in Medan City?

A: The long-term goals of addressing homelessness and begging in Medan City include reducing poverty and inequality, improving public health and safety, and promoting social cohesion and community development. Ultimately, the goal is to create a society where everyone has access to basic needs and opportunities.

We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the issue of homelessness and begging in Medan City and the efforts being made to address it. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.