Concerned over the aged

Concerned over the aged

From Kompas

When I left Tabing Airport in Padang, West Sumatra, early in June 2005, as a retired person I was exempt from paying airport tax.

Garuda airways has long granted a reduction of 10 percent to passengers over 60 years of age, provided that they come in person to Garuda's office and show their identity cards.

Recently I had an opportunity to attend a world conference in London, where the government extends discounts to both British citizens and tourists over 60 years of age for a number of public facilities, such as tickets for trains, buses and recreation sites. Some fast-food outlets also provide reductions for elderly people. In addition, the government provides special facilities for the disabled, and pavements for pedestrians.

What about Indonesia? This country is known for its tradition of taking good care of the elderly. But in reality, the aged and the disabled have benefited the least from the facilities provided for the public at large.

It is not necessary to wait until the country is prosperous before providing facilities for the elderly and disabled people.

RIDJANI NOER Jakarta