Military impostor

Military impostor

From Pikiran Rakyat

On July 28, my sister and I had an unpleasant encounter with a man claiming to be from a certain military command (Koramil) in Bandung.

He requested Rp 50,000 as a donation for constructing a freedom fighters' monument. Initially he was very polite and often referred to our late father.

When we refused, explaining that as far as we know the military never goes around pressing the public for donations for their activities, he became angry. With his hand raised and pointing to my sister he shouted: "You would have never enjoyed this kind of life without the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters!"

As he began to leave, we repeatedly asked for his name and rank, and he said: "Bambang" and added: "You are lucky that you are ladies, otherwise ..."

When he saw my sister looking at his motorcycle registration number, he shouted: "Write it down!" and kept on calling us names. This was witnessed by some of our neighbors.

We got the military command post's telephone number (7800410) and a Mr. Herman there told us that was no such donation program, and advised us not to entertain such requests from people claiming to be military personnel.

We do have a lot of appreciation and respect for our freedom fighters, who have enabled us to enjoy today's freedom, as well as their families whom they left behind. However, we can show our appreciation by doing good and useful deeds for society.

I really hope this will be the last of such an experience.

MUHAMMAD ZAKY

Bandung