To my brethern in East Timor

From Republika

I greatly regret the actions taken by my East Timor brothers as reported in this paper recently. Just because you did not pass the test to become civil servants, you chose destructive ways to release your disappointment. Actually, as our youngest brother, you were given more attention compared to the other brothers. Part of the state budget previously designated to other provinces has been re-allotted to you in the hope that you will grow up faster and catch up with other provinces.

My story could perhaps serves as a reflection for you to ponder. When I graduated in 1991, I had to do compulsory work as a doctor in the village of Muara Siberut, Mentawai, in West Sumatra under the PTT state-owned post company.

The region is very isolated and the population still live extremely poorly.

Roads don't exist, compelling us to make use of rivers and the sea to provide health services to villages.

Several times we had accidents. Because of these problems our health program did not get very good results.

After three years of hard work in the village, however, our health center was picked as the best of 28 similar health centers at the regional level of Padang Pariaman. In 1994 our health center won the third best in the nation.

After three years of faithful service, I was rejected as a civil servant -- even though Presidential Decree No. 37 1991, clearly states that PTT doctors serving in isolated areas and proved to be achievers be given priority for civil servant recruitment before they specialize. However, I did not lose hope.

I hope that my East Timor brothers will stop wallowing in misery. You can try again. Your fate is really much better when compared to mine and my other colleagues in PTT. You see, we are only allowed to take the test once in our lives.

Dr. JONI SASTRA

Bandung, West Java