The Whole Holes

They complain. They swear. They curse. It’s printed in the local newspaper. It’s aired in local the radio. Every time I am with other people in a car, in a public transport or a motorbike, I always hear bad languages addressed to the Mayor of Sorong. I’m with them because the streets in Sorong really suck! There is no exception including the so-called main streets.

And the rainy season gives more new holes to the already damaged streets. Those holes are big, deep and full of mud. Don't even think of driving a sedan in town. Compared to other towns in the Bird’s Head, Sorong is the worst when it comes to road or street conditions. And oh, do not forget that it’s also the dirtiest town in the region. The town looks shabby.

Yumame is the mayor’s name. I don’t know what this person is really doing as a mayor. Perhaps he’s got his own imaginary streets that his driver never takes him through the streets in Sorong.

But this is his second term. Who’s to blame then? I guess the people of Sorong have to take the blame, too. Why on earth did they choose someone like him? I heard someone said that he used money to win the votes. So common, huh? It’s a short-term gain for a long-term suffering. So not worth it.

And nothing is done so far. The people here hold a demo when a member of their ethnic dies. They fight against other ethnicity over a personal feud among them. But they do nothing to demand for good public facility. Or perhaps nobody knows what to do. Perhaps, they need someone to organize them?

The mayor’s son now heads a big, established political party ready to run for the next mayor when the dad steps down. Gosh!