People's lot

People's lot

From Kompas

The country has witnessed several regime changes over the last decade, but the people's lot remains the same. Since the establishment of the Old Order, replaced by the New Order before the Reform Order took over, there has not been a meaningful change in the condition of the people. They continue to be victims of official promises that are never realized.

It is regrettable that whenever there is a change of government the same old officials simply put on new clothes, while their mentality remains the same. No wonder the nation cannot get out of the present crisis. It has become evident from reports in newspapers and TV broadcasts that ordinary people are being driven out of the way, treated like animals.

All citizens have the same rights in this country. Our Constitution guarantee the right of the poor to be taken care of by the state. The riches of the country must be managed to the greatest benefit of all the people. Higher fuel prices have just caused more companies to close down, resulting in workers being laid off.

The people's purchasing power is weakening, the number of children being forced to drop out of school increasing, etc. In short, the government's policies have only created more poor people.

The nation's leaders seem to have become accustomed to turning a deaf ear to the suffering of the people and, worse still, they cynically comment: "It is your own fault for being poor!"

Well, stop lamenting your fate, people! Do whatever you can and continue to devote yourselves to God. He will crush unjust governments and grant your prayers.

DEDEN SUGIANTO Yogyakarta