Political parties and farmers' lot

From Suara Karya

Over 200 political parties are now getting ready to participate in the 2004 general election. They have begun mobilizing funds and followers, both openly or otherwise.

One thing that these political parties must not forget is that they have to do something to improve the lot of farmers. For many years our farmers have been marginalized.

It must be remembered that the peasantry makes up the majority of our people. Unfortunately, political parties have hardly tried to sound out what farmers really want and need. They require the support of farmers purely to win elections. They seem oblivious to the fact that farmers, just like any other social group, also want their aspirations to be heard and realized.

In the run-up to the general election, political parties usually have a large budget. They should not waste their money only on campaigning. They should spend this money partly on improving the lot of farmers.

MUWAFAKIN HAIKAL Lamongan East Java