Uncaring Minister

Uncaring Minister of Social Affairs

From Republika

Jakarta and several other cities are still under the threat of possible further flooding. From my observation of the recent floods, both the city and central administrations were too slow and not responsive enough to attend to the postflood problems.

Top on my list is the Ministry of Social Affairs, along with its minister, Bachtiar Chamsyah. Instead of helping fellow human beings and fellow citizens, he flew away for the haj pilgrimage. His senior in the same political party, none other than Vice President Hamzah Haz, in contrast, postponed a similar trip.

The Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare, Yusuf Kalla, decided to fulfill his haj obligation only after his hard work in settling the sectarian disputes through the Malino I and Malino II peace negotiations. I think he earned it.

Apart from not hearing much about what the social affairs minister and his department have done to alleviate the suffering of flood victims, I wonder whether the pilgrimage was a more urgent calling compared with a conscientious call to ease the anguished cries.

Apparently the wailing of unfed and unsheltered babies is not poignant enough to reach the heart of this uncaring minister.

WAHYUDI

Jakarta