The nation is sinking

The nation is sinking

It has been reported that 160,000 families in South Sulawesi are facing food shortages. This is ironic since this province has produced a surplus of 1.5 million tons rice.

If we count a family as comprising the parents and two children, more than 640,000 people lack food.

This data is significant if we relate it to the statement recently made by the Vice President that Indonesia has been categorized as a poor country.

The country's per capita income prior to the crisis was US$1,000, but now it is only US$400.

The key word here is "sinking". The nation is sinking. We should handle this by making short-, medium- and long-term programs.

-- Kompas, Jakarta