Neglected starvation<\/p>\n
From Ummat<\/p>\n
I was deeply shocked to learn that a group of Betawi families
\ncould not afford to buy food. The report also reveals the
\ncondition of their shanties.<\/p>\n
It is ironic that a community, physically close to the center
\nof power and business activities, and magnificent skyscrapers,
\nshould be left far behind. It is indeed highly incredible. Then,
\nwhat might happen to communities living in rural areas. Their
\nmiseries could be beyond comprehension.<\/p>\n
It seems the Betawi people are no more fortunate than their
\nfellow countrymen in Irian Jaya. At the time when a certain group
\nin Irian Jaya was reported to be starving and experiencing a long
\ndrought, some groups were conducting charity drives, collecting
\naid relief from many quarters, and the Armed Forces dropped food
\naid and medicine from aircraft. Also, artists and the Irian Jaya
\ncommunity in Jakarta ran a charity program for Irian Jaya. That
\nwas not the case when families in the Betawi community suffered
\nfrom starvation. People had little concern about their miseries,
\nas if the Betawi community were an isolated group in this
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
Neither Rano Karno, who has been successful in \"selling the
\nBetawi culture\", Alya Rohali, winner of Miss Betawi title
\n(probably because of her Betawi father), nor Deddy Mizwar, who
\nhas Betawi blood, have come to the rescue of the starving Betawi
\npeople.<\/p>\n
Also, many important figures who have Betawi ancestry have not
\nextended the needed help. Could this state of affairs be due to
\nthe fact that the Betawi people are considered politically
\ninsignificant, just like the American Indians and Australian
\nAborigines?<\/p>\n
MOH ABDUL KARIM<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/neglected-starvation-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }