A tale of poor scavengers

A tale of poor scavengers

From Republika

The 'operation order' officials of Kembangan District, West
Jakarta, have burned scores of scavengers' shelters recently.
This shows the arrogance of government officials to members of
the lower classes.

Because of this arbitrary act, 150 families lost their
shelters including their second-hand goods that will be sold.

I hardly believe that they could act this way to such poor
people. Do they have a conscience? Why didn't they tell the
scavengers first that they would set fire to the area, (so that
they could find another place), or explain to them that they
would not allowed to stay in the area? Why didn't they discuss it
with Association of Indonesian Scavengers' (IPI) to find the best
solution to the problem for both the Mayoralty of West Jakarta
and the scavengers?

It is contrary to the government's campaign of abolishing
poverty and saving the environment. Instead of enforcing the
campaign, the West Jakarta Mayoralty creates poverty in its area
for it caused 150 families to lose their shelters, wealth and
means of earning a living.

And it is more ironic when the legislators questioned the
mayor of West Jakarta, Sutardjianto, he admitted that he did not
know anything about the action. So who gave the order to the
'operation order' officials? What is the mayor's responsibility
as a leader? How come he did not know what was happening in his
own area?

We should realize that scavengers directly or indirectly
pressure our environment and play a role in the economical field
because they take garbage and sell it to companies which will
recycle the garbage.

And the most important thing we should remember is that they
have the right to make a living and live a decent life.

HERDI DUDUNG

Bandar Lampung, Sumatra