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