In Reply to: if you happen posted by dennisc on Saturday, 4. October 2008 at 21:15 Bali Time:
search the archives for varying debates on this subject.We all are entitled to our opinions but not long ago the indonesian government put up signs and warnings to tourists not to encourage or give to these beggers as with qoute from dennisc I have to agree some are well run organisations.My bali friends look down at these beggers who they feel exploit their children by keeping them under fed,underclothed,dirty,and running in and out of cars especially on sunset road.I also have seen the drivers drop them off and come later to collect money.Try this next time you in bali you will be shocked - buy them food water etc. and try to give to the mothers or children very few will accept this and get angry that you not giving money.I have watched balinese shop owners give money to some beggers but it always seem the ones who are carrying their children who are not aggressive in anyway.I once watched a band of ladies who had tambourines going from shop to shop not tourist to tourist playing(very badly) but the shop owners respected them for trying to do something and all tipped them.They balinese government believes a lot of richer balinese run these scams with the beggers and also they want to discourage the farmers etc. from the mountains not to leave their homes and trades on the land to come to the cities and become beggers when its easy money from the tourists and they never return back to their balinese roots.Hard call isnt it when you see these young children being exploted for money sometimes you have to get tough and not give money to the beggers means they cant make a trade from their children.There are a lot of great charities doing great work in bali contact one of them and see how you can help Filos pages give heaps info on this also many forumites post excellent suggestions on how to help.