The retired are made to suffer

The retired are made to suffer

From Media Indonesia

As of July 2003, the pension increase for retired civil servants (PNS) and servicemen and women (TNI) has not been paid, while the pensioners' association (Wredatama) and retired servicemen and women's association (Pepabri) have been less than responsive.

To pensioners who in the New Order enjoyed the "opportunity" to make a fortune, monthly pensions may not be so important. But a pension improvement is what "small-fry" PNS and TNI retirees are craving.

With the rising electricity and water rates, it is unfair for pensioners to receive the same amount while government employees still in office now earn higher salaries.

I would like to appeal to the minister of finance to act promptly to increase pensions next month, before the elderly people stage a demonstration. Any delay will make these apparently second-class citizens suffer.

JP ARISNOSUSATYO Jakarta