Expatriates' life not a bed of roses

I refer to your article What is the real meaning of foreign aid in the "By the Way" column, on Sunday, Dec. 14, 1997.

The article gave the impression that expatriates are happy with their fattened pay cheque.

It is not true. For those who have family and other commitments back home, it is really a pain. With the increasing rate every day, they tend to suffer a loss on conversion and eventually the amount they take home has diminished.

I was surprised to note that the article said expats stay here instead of "taking the money and running". I am sure expats are recruited based on their experienced background and proven standing in their own countries, professionally and socially. It is unlikely that people do not care about the professional satisfaction they earn for their service, which is sometimes worth more than money.

It is inhumane to think that expats do not have the heart to cry about the well-being of Indonesia. When Indonesia can cry for the death of Diana of the United Kingdom, is it that expats are so hard-hearted not to worry about their adopted land for its performance and prosperity?

P.R. THIAGARAJAN

Bekasi, West Java