Number of poor people increases

Number of poor people increases

From Kompas

Many people are concerned about the soaring prices of almost all commodities, including the basics, and this situation has made the cost of living to go up also; all while Muslims take part in Idul Fitri festivities.

In the wake of the fuel price increase many small- and medium- sized businesses are on the brink of bankruptcy, which will affect the employees' jobs. The employees fear they may lose their jobs because their companies may cut staff.

In this context, the government should be responsible for the growing number of poor people, solely because it has adopted policies and made decisions that were not based on the people's aspirations.

One may wonder what the legislators have done so far for the people they are supposed to represent. Meanwhile, the government has time and again stressed that its programs or projects are really aimed at improving the condition of the people. But in reality that is not the case. On the other hand, it is the power holders and the privileged few who manage to live lavishly at the expense of the suffering of the poor.

It seems that the government officials have adopted a "why bother attitude" and they are indifferent about what is going on around them. Quo vadis Indonesia?

DEMAS SUGIYANTO Boyolali, Central Java