Games gripe

Games gripe

From Sinar

The SEA Games, the great sports event for Southeast Asian nations, is approaching. I am proud that my country actively nurtures friendly relations with neighboring countries. My pride is even greater because Indonesia assumed the task of hosting this prestigious event from Brunei Darussalam, which was unable to do it.

But why should the people be burdened with the expenditure for the Games? When the government decided to take over the games' organization, the public was not involved. Yet it is the public which appears to be forced into financing the Games through additional payments, exacted on telephone and electricity bills, and airport taxes.

Don't get me wrong. I do not balk at participation in government activities. But to force people to contribute is completely indefensible. This obviously disregards the public's right to express an opinion and disdainfully views people as passive citizens.

I hope the authorities will abolish this detrimental policy.

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