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