Jakartans banned from giving to beggars

People who give money to beggars, street musicians or food vendors in Indonesia's bustling capital will face jail time or hefty fines under legislation passed yesterday, an official said.

The city council says the aim of the public order law is to clean up Jakarta.

Residents who buy food or goods from hawkers operating outside assigned locations, give money to panhandlers, sell newspapers or solicit sex on the streets could spend up to 60 days in jail or be fined up to $2,100, said Arie Budhiman, a city spokesman.