Street Children and Beggars in Makassar City: Adaptive Policies in Reducing Urban Social ‎Problems

Iskandar Iskandar; Batara Surya; Asmirah Asmirah; Nurmi Nonci; Zulkifli Makkawaru; Tawakkal Baharuddin

doi:10.35516/Hum.2025.8380

Authors

Iskandar Iskandar Department of Sociology, Universitas Bosowa, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5939-5110
Batara Surya Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Universitas Bosowa, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0561-8312
Asmirah Asmirah Department of Sociology, Universitas Bosowa, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3384-2755
Nurmi Nonci Department of Sociology, Universitas Bosowa, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7220-637X
Zulkifli Makkawaru Department of Sociology, Universitas Bosowa, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4971-3776
Tawakkal Baharuddin Department of Government Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6426-9840

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2025.8380

Keywords:

Street children, beggars, inclusive economy, adaptive policy, inter-agency coordination, community participation, child protection.

Abstract

Objectives: Makassar City is facing an increase in street children and beggars, which requires in-depth understanding and appropriate policies for effective handling. This research aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the dynamics and challenges of handling street children and beggars in Makassar City and provide adaptive policy recommendations appropriate to the local context.

Methods: This research uses a phenomenological approach to understand the meaning behind the phenomenon of street children and beggars in Makassar City from the perspective of policy implementers and the communities involved. The research process involves methodological planning, orientation to research objects and subjects, and exploration of data in the field, which is analyzed using Nvivo 12 Plus software to find patterns and relationships between the revealed aspects.

Results: This study reveals a significant increase in the number of street children and beggars in Makassar City from 2022 to 2023, with variations in distribution indicating the need for a specific and targeted approach. The dominant factors influencing their emergence include economic instability, family conflict, limited access to education, the influence of a hostile social environment, and lack of access to health and social services. Although the government has made various efforts, obstacles such as limited resources, lack of coordination between agencies, low community participation, and weak law enforcement remain significant.

Conclusions: This study recommends holistic and sustainable adaptive policies, focusing on inclusive economic programs, protection, and rehabilitation, inclusive education, creating a positive social environment, and increasing community coordination and participation to create a safe and supportive environment for children.

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