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