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