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