The sight of blind street musicians singing at stations, terminals, or on sidewalks may be a common occurrence for urban dwellers. Unfortunately, in the eyes of regulations, this profession is often merely viewed as a public order violation. Consequently, enforcement by authorities frequently becomes the state's only “solution,” without addressing the root causes of why they are forced to take to the streets.
This bitter reality recently resurfaced through a tragic incident involving a blind street musician in Jakarta. Her story opens our eyes to the fact that behind the guise of maintaining order, there is a social protection system that has failed to support its most vulnerable citizens.
Caught in a Raid Amidst Economic Hardship and Illness
This incident befell Mrs. Asih, a blind street musician apprehended by the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) in the Cawang Station area, South Jakarta, following reports from commuter train users who felt disturbed. Ironically, Mrs. Asih was forced to busk not out of desire, but out of necessity. While striving to earn a living as the family's breadwinner, she also battles breast cancer.
Even more heartbreaking is the lengthy and convoluted bureaucracy involved in releasing blind individuals caught in raids. Family members or companions from the Indonesian Blind Association (Pertuni) often face complex administrative requirements, ranging from needing recommendations from the Sector Police (Polsek), Resort Police (Polres), to the Sub-district Social Services (Sudin Sosial). Such prolonged processing times are undoubtedly agonizing, especially for persons with disabilities in poor health conditions like Mrs. Asih, who was forced to sleep on the cold floor of a social welfare home.
Taking to the Streets: A Last Resort
Why do blind individuals choose to become street performers? The answer is simple: it's a last resort amidst limited employment opportunities. Some might suggest they switch professions, for instance, becoming massage therapists. However, in this modern era, the traditional massage profession for the blind faces intense competition, and demand for it continues to decline.
For our blind friends, singing on the streets is a way to survive while maintaining their dignity. They offer their services and vocal talents, not merely begging for pity. Unfortunately, significant risks such as forced enforcement and discrimination constantly threaten them daily.
Gaps in the Social Safety Net
This issue seems to confirm significant gaps in our social safety net. Many persons with disabilities have not even received government social assistance due to data collection problems. A considerable number of street musicians from marginalized areas do not possess National Identity Cards (KTP), rendering their existence undetectable by the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS) system.
It is highly ironic that a smart-app-based public order violation reporting system can respond very quickly to apprehend them, yet the poverty data collection and social assistance distribution system operates slowly and often misses its targets.
Towards Inclusive and Humane Solutions
The government cannot continuously view this issue solely through the lens of "enforcement." Solving the problem of blind street musicians requires a cross-sectoral approach, not just burdening the Social Services Department.
If countries like Australia or Singapore can provide public spaces or designated spots for certified street musicians, why can't Indonesia? The government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, could provide performance spaces in public areas, stations, or malls for blind musicians. Similarly, in the hospitality sector; if the government dared to mandate thousands of hotels in Jakarta to employ at least three persons with disabilities (as masseurs or musicians), then thousands of formal job opportunities would open up, and they would no longer have to risk their lives on the streets.
In conclusion, indiscriminate enforcement without solutions is a form of neglect. The state must be present not only through the uniforms of enforcing officers but through empowering policies. Let's shift the paradigm: persons with disabilities are not social burdens or public order violators, but citizens who deserve equal living spaces and employment opportunities.
References:
- Indonesian Blind Association YouTube Channel, "The Irony of Blind Street Musicians: Enforced by Authorities, Ignored by the System? | EXPLORING REGULATIONS"