Before I begin anything, I'd like to say that I'm very sorry to have put this blog on hold for almost two weeks. Things have been happening so fast around me that sometimes I just can't get a grip on myself. Lebaran holiday, assignments, stuffs, other stuffs, surprise sickness, Trans-freakin'-Jakarta, and a whole lot of stuffs. Don't wanna sound sentimental, but I wholeheartedly miss my blog. Anyway, I'm glad to be back here -yay!- and I happened to remember that I pledged to join the Blog Action Day 2008 about Poverty, which is scheduled for October 15. I know it's a bit late, but I'll still do this post. (I don't quote Star Wars for nothing, you know).
Poverty. As an Indonesian, I hear the news everyday, I read about it, and most importantly, I see it with my own eyes. Unlike those who instantly associate poverty with bones-and-skin children of Africa and all those publicity stunts with Hollywood stars, it doesn't take more than a trip to the nearest mall, with all its glory, to really see how a considerable part of Indonesians actually live their life. Another mile will give anyone a knock on the car window, with all kinds of people begging them for money.
In the last days of Ramadan, lives were lost in a depressing, yet disgusting parade of poverty. Twenty-three people were crushed to death while struggling to receive Rp30,000 ($3) zakat money from a local businessman. Similar accidents from all around the country also made it into the media. The capital city was invaded by yearly beggars and whatever their intention may be. During Eid festival, more people line up in the governor's and president's houses for a chance to meet their leaders, and get an envelope of money. After the annual Eid homecoming, many unskilled workers -most of them armed only with dreams of a better life- try their luck in the cities with gold-paved streets.
Honestly, this post won't offer much solution because I myself am in a lost of words about this matter. Poverty isn't as simple as running out of money. There are a lot of things that play their part in this phenomenon: education, culture, government, politics, public services, environment, finance, law, just to pop out a few. Furthermore, poverty is like an evil spider that spins its web tangling all nations on this planet, from America to Africa, Indonesia to Israel, Paris to Papua; including you. Addressing this issue is never an easy task; otherwise, it won't be as bad as it is now.
In Indonesia, it is too easy to yell at the government, especially since they somewhat deserve such yelling for choosing to prioritize dividing this nation with draconian bills rather than to fulfill the citizens' basic rights. Our lawmakers have been living in luxury for too long while people don't have access to the most basic housing and schools are literally collapsing on students. They've been flying all around the world for dubious political trips when their constituents have to walk kilometers for a bucket of water.
Opportunities are wide open to contribute to the fight against poverty through many channels. Foreign aid agencies have set up branches here, and local ones are also sprouting everywhere. Additionally, the call to zakat (alms) has grown louder each year with organizers that grow more professional. Somehow, people see such organizations as the best way to help the noble cause.
Nevertheless, I still firmly believe that the government should maximize their role in this global fight. It is too bad for anyone to lose faith in our country's systems and its ability to eradicate poverty because only the government has control over all fields related to poverty and thus, they should be able to come up with a comprehensive plan. We need a government with a clear vision and goodwill to spearhead efforts to lift people from poverty. The people of this proud nation can no longer afford to have a feeble-minded government leading Indonesia to nowhere.
Therefore, I urge each and every fellow Indonesians eligible to vote in the upcoming 2009 elections to bring the best candidates to Senayan and to the Istana Negara. How our future government handles poverty depends on our choice; the power to bring a massive positive change upon this country lies in our very hands. Going golput is a choice, but it is not an answer: how can you look at anyone else after you decide not to help this country build a stronger government? We have been given a chance to help fight poverty through the polling booths, why give it up?
In the end, it is up to you. Just remember, DON'T VOTE UNLESS YOU CARE.
This post is part of Blog Action Day 08 - Poverty
1 comment:
dont vote unless you care. gua ga care gimana dong haha
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