Jakarta (AsiaNews) – No more begging in Jakarta, according to Indonesia’s ulemas. For the first time since independence, the Muslim Clerics Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia or MUI) issued an edict that declares begging in the streets of the capital unlawful.

Begging in the capital is usually a seasonal phenomenon, especially significant during Ramadan. The Muslim holy month in fact attracts an army of beggars who fill every corner in the capital.

This year thirteen days into Ramadan almost 1,500 beggars, most of them women and children from outside Jakarta, were rounded up by city authorities.

The ulemas’ edict follows a similar decision by the capital’s civil authorities to go after beggars as well as those giving alms.

The MUI’s fatwa follows a similar step taken by the Muslim Clerics of Madura Island (East Java) in mid-August.

For many Islamic religious scholars begging is caused by laziness. According to Jakarta MUI’s Chief Amidan, the edict is intended to punish those who take advantage of people’s goodness to make money.

“Some beggars earn more per week than most white collar workers,” Amidan explained.

He dismisses objections by beggars’ advocates, saying that begging is not recognised in Islam.  “Giving is more appropriate in Islam, not begging.”

MUI’s decision has divided Indonesia. Some are in favour of the measure. Others argue that “preventing people from giving during the holy month of Ramadan is not a good idea.”

Fatwa backers contend instead that beggars are used by organised gangs who enrich themselves on their backs. In Madura the authorities said that some beggars are actually in good health and have money.

The two most important Muslim organisations of Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama (NUI and Muhammadiyah, have welcomed the edict.

Local media have reported that most “seasonal beggars” come from northern Java and Tegal, in Central Java. Far from being poor, they are actually well off, living in good homes back in their native towns and cities.