Fate of veterans' widows

Fate of veterans' widows

From Kompas

My mother is the widow of an independence war veteran who
receives a government pension in Yogyakarta. For three years now,
she has not been receiving what she is entitled to. According to
local bank and pension officers, a widow only needs to support
herself and is not entitled to a contribution towards to costs of
living of her children.

I wonder if this is right. In fact, the wives of freedom
fighters also participated in the struggle of their husbands for national
independence. Why can't they enjoy the fruits of their own
struggle?

There are only a few thousand veterans and veterans' widows
left. My mother would feel very proud if she could help pay for
the education of her grandchildren out of her pension. However,
her pension only amounts to Rp 550,000 a month.

When will the government appreciate the sacrifices of our fallen
heroes by heeding the fate of their widows? In my view, public
money must not only be enjoyed by embezzlers.

TOK SOETARNO
Yogyakarta