The phenomenon of the increasing number of People with Social Welfare Problems (PPKS) on the streets of Bandung City has once again come under scrutiny. It was revealed that the majority of PPKS caught in a joint operation early Thursday morning (14/5/2026) actually come from outside the region.

In the operation, which began at 2:30 AM local time, officers netted 51 PPKS on several main roads and tourist areas of Bandung City. The outreach locations included the Asia Afrika area, Braga, and Jalan Sudirman, areas typically bustling with community and tourist activity.

The Head of the Bandung City Social Services, Yorisa Sativa, stated that preliminary assessment results show only a small portion of the PPKS are residents of Bandung City. The majority are known to have come from outside the city to seek income on the streets.

According to Yorisa, this pattern has recurred in various previous outreach operations. Data from the Social Services indicates that around 80 percent of the PPKS secured come from outside Bandung City and arrive seasonally, especially during long holiday periods.

“If their administrative records are not from Bandung City, they will be returned to their district or city of origin. The target is that they must be reunified within a maximum of seven days,” said Yorisa on Thursday (14/5/2026).

Yorisa revealed that all secured PPKS were immediately taken to a shelter owned by the Social Services to undergo identity checks, social assessments, and mental and physical guidance. This step is taken before the process of returning them to their families or respective regions of origin.

“Handling PPKS cannot be done partially because it involves complex social and economic issues,” she said.

Therefore, the joint operation involved several regional apparatus organizations, starting from the Civil Service Police Unit, Transportation Agency, Environmental Agency, to territorial officials to ensure maximum supervision.

In addition to the crackdown, Yorisa also urged the public not to give money directly on the streets. This habit is considered one of the triggers for the large number of PPKS from outside the region who come and stay in Bandung City.

Asia Afrika area

The Asia Afrika area, located in Bandung, Indonesia, is historically significant as the site of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, also known as the Bandung Conference. This landmark meeting brought together newly independent nations from Asia and Africa to promote decolonization, economic cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War. Today, the area features the iconic Gedung Merdeka building, now a museum, and serves as a symbol of solidarity among developing nations.

Braga

Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, with a history dating back over two thousand years to its founding by the Romans, who called it Bracara Augusta. It later became a major religious center, serving as the seat of the Archbishop of Portugal and home to the iconic Braga Cathedral. Today, the city is renowned for its well-preserved Baroque architecture, vibrant religious festivals, and the famous Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Jalan Sudirman

Jalan Sudirman is one of the main thoroughfares in Jakarta, Indonesia, serving as the city’s central business and financial district. Named after General Sudirman, a prominent Indonesian military leader during the country’s war of independence, the road was developed in the mid-20th century as part of Jakarta’s modernization. Today, it is lined with skyscrapers, corporate headquarters, and luxury hotels, symbolizing Indonesia’s economic growth and urban development.