War veterans demand more attention<\/p>\n
Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar<\/p>\n
Red-and-white national flags brighten up the atmosphere at a
\nhousing complex in Makassar where war veterans began preparing to
\nwelcome the country's 60th anniversary celebrations on Aug. 17.<\/p>\n
But the flags and banners adorning most houses in the complex
\nin Paropo subdistrict, were not able to hide the reality of the
\nhard life experienced by some 44 veteran families living there.<\/p>\n
Although they live in a "housing complex", the houses are not
\nmuch different than those found in slum areas, where housing
\nmaterials are quite similar: corrugated iron roofs, wood plank
\nand plywood walls. Some houses are even built above a swamp area.<\/p>\n
"This is the reality of our life, the veterans. Year after
\nyear we get less and less attention while our numbers are
\ndeclining," Andi Jemma, 85, head of the Indonesia Veteran
\nLegion's branch in Panakkukang district, told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
The veterans moved into their current complex after being
\nevicted from their previous houses in 2003.<\/p>\n
Back in 1993, the veterans were given around 5,000 square
\nmeters of land by the Makassar city administration. But problems
\nemerged when a developer claimed that around 2,000 square meters
\nof the land was his.<\/p>\n
The veterans lost a legal battle against the developer, and
\nwere evicted in May 2003. But they insisted upon staying,
\nbuilding makeshift houses until they were again told to leave in
\nJune 2003.<\/p>\n
Still, the veterans and their families insisted on staying
\nput. Since their houses were flattened to the ground, they lived
\nin makeshift tents for a year, while fighting for their right to
\nthe land in court.<\/p>\n
In March last year, the Makassar city administration finally
\nprovided another site for the veterans, with each family
\nreceiving a 84-square-meter plot of land.<\/p>\n
"We were given the new land, but we're still worried because
\nit does not come with a land certificate. Besides, the location
\nis prone to floods and is close to a swamp," Andi said.<\/p>\n
The hard reality has made most of the veterans and their
\nfamilies realize they were no longer appreciated. After fighting
\nfor the country's independence, they have not been able to taste
\nthe real independence that they thought they were fighting for.
\nFor them, the country's anniversary celebrations have now become
\na mere ceremonial event, while its true meaning has diminished.<\/p>\n
Andi said the lack of appreciation shown for the veterans from
\nthe government and society could be seen from many things, such
\nas from fewer and fewer invitations to attend the country's
\nanniversary celebrations at the South Sulawesi governor's
\nresidence.<\/p>\n
"Previously, every branch of the Indonesia Veteran Legion got
\n10 invitations, but the number is less and less each year. This
\ntime around, we only received two," he said.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he said the amount of money and facilities
\nallocated for the veterans was so low, not enough to support
\ntheir families, forcing many veterans to depend on their
\nchildren.<\/p>\n
Andi said that, the veterans were fighting harder to survive
\nnow than when they fought for the country's independence.<\/p>\n
Back then, he added, they knew their enemy and their weapons
\nwhile now, it's hard to identify the enemy, while politics and
\nmoney are being used as weapons.<\/p>\n
"Of course we're on the losing side because we're not familiar
\nwith politics and don't have money to be used as our weapon. We
\nfought for independence, but don't feel independent," Andi said.<\/p>\n
Still, there is hope the government will show more attention,
\nsuch as by providing them with compensation for their land to
\nallow them have proper housing.<\/p>\n
"We just hope that we can live a decent life in our twilight
\nyears," said Daeng Te'ne, 72, a veteran's widow.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/war-veterans-demand-more-attention-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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