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