{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1116428,
        "msgid": "addressing-the-refugee-problem-1447893297",
        "date": "2001-04-28 00:00:00",
        "title": "Addressing the refugee problem",
        "author": null,
        "source": "JP",
        "tags": null,
        "topic": null,
        "summary": "Addressing the refugee problem The refugee problems in East Nusa Tenggara has to be resolved quickly. The facts show that the local governments in the provinces as well as in the regencies lack funds, equipment and personnel to address this problem. The authorities themselves have to contend with their local community problems such as poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate health service and educational facilities.",
        "content": "<p>Addressing the refugee problem<\/p>\n<p>The refugee problems in East Nusa Tenggara has to be resolved<br>\nquickly. The facts show that the local governments in the<br>\nprovinces as well as in the regencies lack funds, equipment and<br>\npersonnel to address this problem. The authorities themselves<br>\nhave to contend with their local community problems such as<br>\npoverty, malnutrition, and inadequate health service and<br>\neducational facilities. As a result, the refugees are an<br>\nadditional burden for the local governments and communities.<\/p>\n<p>The local governments, therefore, should work closely with the<br>\nUnited Nations&apos; agencies, international organizations and NGOs to<br>\novercome the refugee problems because without aid from these<br>\ninstitutions, the problems will get worse and even harder to<br>\nresolve.<\/p>\n<p>Given these circumstances, I would like to offer some<br>\nsuggestions:<\/p>\n<p>1. The refugees should be regarded as our brothers and sisters,<br>\nand seen as a blessing and not a burden.<\/p>\n<p>2. We must be modest and humble in our lifestyle. Refrain from<br>\nusing luxury cars or staying in expensive hotels. It will be hard<br>\nto convince refugees that we are cash strapped and unable to help<br>\nthem if we lead lavish lifestyles.<\/p>\n<p>3. Refugees, on their part, should engage in positive and<br>\nconstructive activities, and not drink or gamble. They should try<br>\nto be closer to God Almighty, contemplate more, and read the Holy<br>\nscriptures.<\/p>\n<p>4. We call on the local community to be patient. Overcoming the<br>\nrefugee problems takes time. We should realize that refugees are<br>\nunable to seek work and deprived of basic amenities, and so may<br>\nbe psychologically affected.<\/p>\n<p>5. Integrating the refugees with the local community is very<br>\nimportant to prevent social envy and enhance the spirit of<br>\nbrotherhood.<\/p>\n<p>ALEXANDER B. KOROH<\/p>\n<p>Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/addressing-the-refugee-problem-1447893297",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}