Leprosy victims hurt by autonomy<\/p>\n
TANGERANG: Many people suffering from leprosy have been forced
\nto beg on the streets to support themselves because they no
\nlonger receive funding from the central government as a
\nconsequence of the regional autonomy laws which began in January
\n2001.<\/p>\n
\"They used to get welfare allowances from the central
\ngovernment through the social welfare ministry but then it was
\ndissolved and the regional administrations were responsible for
\nit,\" Sukyatno Nugroho of the Nimmala Temple said on Sunday.<\/p>\n
\"Even though the ministry was later re-established, it does
\nnot function properly as most of the tasks were given to the
\nregional administrations.\"<\/p>\n
Sukyatno was commenting on the leprosy victims on the
\nsidelines of a ceremony held by the temple to contribute packages
\nof staple food to some 1,000 people with leprosy at the Marfati
\nSocial Foundation here.<\/p>\n
\"Most people are afraid to employ people with leprosy even
\nthough it is no longer communicable.<\/p>\n
\"But because they now live with physical deformities, it is
\ndifficult for them to compete with healthy people for jobs.
\nThat's why they turn to begging as a way to support their lives,\"
\nsaid Sukyatno. -- JP<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/leprosy-victims-hurt-by-autonomy-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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