Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung – Hundreds of residents of Cipanjalu village in Bandung regency, who have been struggling to survive since 90 percent of them lost their jobs three years ago, have turned down food aid, saying it is jobs they want.
They expressed disappointment over remarks made last week by some high-ranking officials, including West Java Governor Danny Setiawan, suggesting they did not have enough food because they were not willing to work.
Danny said their dire circumstances were the direct result of laziness, a statement that was seconded by Bandung Regent Obar Sobarno.
Endin Hendradin, the head of the Bandung Regency Information Office, said hunger was not a problem in the village, judging from the number of fat people sitting around doing nothing.
The West Java governor issued a circular in 2003, prohibiting villagers from planting vegetables among hardwood trees in the nearby forest.
Nearly 90 percent of the 1,300 heads of families in the village lost their jobs as farmers and farm hands after the circular was issued. The government did not offer them alternative employment.
"We don't like being accused of laziness. We are not happy about talking to the media either, but there is no other choice because all our proposals (for farming again) have been turned down by the local administration," said 40-year-old Dedi, a Palintang resident.
Dedi said working in the city was not an option as they had no money for transportation. They need at least Rp 20,000 (US$2.10) each to get into the city on public transportation.
The poorest residents had been relying on handouts from neighbors until last month, when it seemed everybody's money had run out. Many of them had gone hungry because of rapidly diminishing food supplies.
Village head Nanang Setiawan said that, after tough negotiations, the Bandung regency administration had agreed to start a number of assistance programs next month, including the provision of cattle and 20,000 young milkfish. They will also be allowed to utilize part of the forest for intercropping again. "We are counting on them going through with it. We need work, not free food," Nanang said.