To President Wahid

To President Wahid

From Koran Tempo

Amid the impact of fuel hikes, prices of other daily needs are also gradually rising. For common people like me, it is indeed inconvenient to be living in the wilderness of this hopeless condition.

I am not a member of Nahdlatul Ulama, but I am your folk. When will the government you control reach its destination? Remember, millions of people are now facing severe hardship and are far from welfare. Until now, no government policy has attended to the people's lowest level of welfare. It is even felt that it's getting increasingly difficult to live properly.

Now everybody talks about politics. As common people, requiring no political "food", we need something concrete, not rhetoric.

For the attention of national leaders, please bear in mind that this nation is on the brink of bankruptcy. Just do something for your people. For example, give full subsidies in the area of education. It doesn't matter if no subsidy is provided for fuel and associated products, but the education sector should be given subsidies with respect to its infrastructure and facilities, from elementary schools to high schools, and if necessary to the universities.

This nation's future lies on their shoulders. The upgrading of human resources has always been their goal since childhood. Don't waste state funds for doubtful needs and objectives.

We will feel relieved and positive if we can send our children to school without thinking of the expenses. In this ailing economy, don't let our children's education decline. It is indeed an invaluable government investment if quality citizens can be created for the future.

SATRIA SANTOSA

Jakarta