Volunteer for 14 years

From Suara Karya

I am Luis Soares, an elementary school (SD) graduate. In 1980 I was appointed "volunteer employee" of PMI, the Indonesia Red Cross Society, by its Relief Operation Team in East Timor which issued me with a Letter of Decision No. 0306/SKP/VII/1980.

My stipend was Rp 15,000 per month.

In 1985 I took an employment test but until now I have never been told of the result. That year a number of my friends were already appointed "provisional government employee" (PNS).

I had been sent to training courses for midwives and a cadre training program.

In 1988 my stipend was stopped and in its place I was given a horse to be used as transport in visits to Posyandu health outposts in the villages. I was not made a paid "government employee" but meanwhile I was given a heavier duty.

Since 1988 I have been assigned to minor Puskesmas public health centers in two villages in Iradarate.

I wish to appeal to the East Timor Representative Office of the Health Ministry to heed my fate -- a PMI volunteer for 14 years and not yet designated a full government employee.

LUIS SOARES

Lautem, East Timor