Life's burdens get harder to bear

Life's burdens get harder to bear

From Suara Karya

Ever since the reform movement started a few years ago, people on low and middle incomes have remained in the grip of poverty and continue to live hard lives. As unemployment continues to rise, people find the struggle to survive tougher from day to day.

Such marginalized people have to compete even harder for their daily needs because their numbers keep on growing. The disheartening phenomenon can be seen at every intersection and at other strategic places in the city. Many drive ojek (motorcycle taxis), becak (pedicabs) or public buses; others work as sidewalk vendors or do whatever they can to offer a service.

Similar struggles are also faced by civil servants and employees of private companies. Their incomes cannot match the soaring prices. Such an imbalance has, in effect, reduced their purchasing power and influenced other sectors of the economy.

In a nutshell, all of these circumstances have made it very difficult for people on low and middle incomes to escape the grip of poverty and their daily struggle seems to be increasingly tougher.

PAULUS PURNOMO ADI Bekasi, West Java