Social envy is growing

Social envy is growing

From Kompas

Poor people have become increasingly distressed and lead an even more difficult existence following the latest fuel price rise. Even before the fuel price hike, the majority already had difficulty in making a living.

Kompas also reported in October that taxi drivers now have fewer passengers, while gasoline is more expensive and they spend a lot more on daily needs.

Under such circumstances, distributing the fuel subsidy compensation fund or direct cash aid to needy people also creates a problem. Old grannies queuing for the cash aid often collapse. Why isn't it distributed to their homes instead of being pooled at district offices?

By allocating the fund door-to-door, this public money will not be misappropriated and district personnel will see for themselves the hardship experienced by ordinary people and the homes that fall far below the proper standards for decent living.

Not surprisingly, criminals are now at large and luxury cars are among their main targets. Therefore, the phenomenon not only involves the problem of facing a tough existence but also the growing seeds of social envy, amid the race among the haves to amass wealth and take care of their personal interests.

ANITA SANDRA Jakarta