Earthquake and demolition

Earthquake and demolition

From Media Indonesia

I feel deep sorrow every time an earthquake hits. It forces the victims to live in tents or emergency places.

Then I witness assistance being sent by sympathizers directly or through foundations. This is a good gesture because it reflects people's concern for others' sufferings. The assistance lightens their sufferings and troubles. I am proud of the tradition of mutual help in the community.

But I have a question that always nags me. What about the victims of demolitions? Here, people don't know or are unable to find the right location to build new houses. They cannot do anything when the government demolishes their homes. They get no compensation for their houses. Why does the government treat these people differently from the earthquake victims?

I think they deserve to get the same attention and treatment as the victims of earthquakes because most of them are poor.

F. PUDIYANTO SURADIBRATA

Jakarta