Lombok's miserable record

Lombok's miserable record

From Kompas

As a native of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), I feel very much
concerned over the malnutrition problems that are currently
affecting children in NTB, particularly on Lombok Island.

I wonder why Lombok has, even during this reform period,
remained plagued by famine, backwardness, unfortunate migrant
workers and lately even corruption by NTB councillors as well as
severe drought.

It should be questioned as to what the regional administration
has been doing so far. Even in national sports festivals,
Lombok's medal count has hit bottom, without any achievements in
such prominent sports as soccer.

Therefore, one may ask what change has been introduced to the
region, as Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla promised
during their presidential election campaigns.

Since the founding of this republic, with national leaders
changing several times, none of the sons of Lombok has ever had
the opportunity to serve as a minister. Are Lombok citizens
merely spectators in this country?

Z. KURNAEN
Karawang, West Java