Indonesian Beggar Earns Over $30 Daily, Apprehended for Harassment

Authorities in Kudus, Indonesia, have apprehended a beggar who was reportedly earning significantly more than the local minimum wage, causing distress among residents. The individual, identified only as J and aged 40, was detained by public order officers (Satpol PP) for harassing people near the Menara Kudus area on Sunday.

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Because they asked forcefully, that's what the community complained about, then if they didn't give, they would get angry, grabbing pilgrims' clothes, even following pilgrims onto motorcycles and then having their clothes pulled.

Residents complained that the beggar was overly persistent and aggressive, sometimes grabbing at people's clothes and even following them onto motorcycles. Yan Suryo Samudro, head of public order and community tranquility for the Kudus Regency Satpol PP, stated that J initially claimed to earn Rp 200,000 daily. However, subsequent checks revealed that J's actual daily income could exceed Rp 540,000.

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The one we caught who was a focus was a mother, asking forcefully. She claimed Rp 200,000, but after checking, it reached Rp 540,000.

Satpol PP has committed to clearing the Menara Kudus area of beggars. Those apprehended, including J, have undergone counseling and were made to sign pledges not to repeat their actions, as begging violates local regulations. A video circulating showed J admitting her income could reach around Rp 500,000 per day, even during less busy periods for pilgrims, and expressed remorse.

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Rp 500,000 per day when it's quiet. I've repented, I won't do it again, sir.