To my brethern in East Timor

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