'Why is the wealth gap so wide?'

At least 8,455 children under the age of five in Jakarta, one of the wealthiest regions in the country, are suffering from malnutrition. These cases represent almost 1 percent of the total number of children under the age of five in the province, which the local health agency puts at 923,000. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their thoughts on this issue.

Pandu, 23, is a photographer and recent graduate of Bandung's Padjadjaran University. He lives with his parents in Condet, East Jakarta:

I think the problem is because the government has failed to ensure the welfare of its citizens.

The Constitution clearly says that all of us are entitled to prosperity, but while some of us are malnourished others are living jet-set lifestyles.

Why is the gap so big?

I do not know the answer, but I think finding it should be the responsibility of the government.

Ririn, 22, is an assistant accountant at a private company. She lives with her parents in Ciledug, South Jakarta:

If we talk about nutrition itself, I would think it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children get enough of the foods they need.

After all, it is a risk becoming a parent in the first place. Parents, especially mothers, hold the key in filling a child's nutritional needs.

But if we are looking at people who cannot afford healthy food, than I think we are talking about a whole new thing: welfare.

I really hope the government plays its part in making sure that everybody has enough money to buy nutritious food.

--The Jakarta Post