Leprosy victims hurt by autonomy

TANGERANG: Many people suffering from leprosy have been forced to beg on the streets to support themselves because they no longer receive funding from the central government as a consequence of the regional autonomy laws which began in January 2001.

"They used to get welfare allowances from the central government through the social welfare ministry but then it was dissolved and the regional administrations were responsible for it," Sukyatno Nugroho of the Nimmala Temple said on Sunday.

"Even though the ministry was later re-established, it does not function properly as most of the tasks were given to the regional administrations."

Sukyatno was commenting on the leprosy victims on the sidelines of a ceremony held by the temple to contribute packages of staple food to some 1,000 people with leprosy at the Marfati Social Foundation here.

"Most people are afraid to employ people with leprosy even though it is no longer communicable.

"But because they now live with physical deformities, it is difficult for them to compete with healthy people for jobs. That's why they turn to begging as a way to support their lives," said Sukyatno. -- JP