Gov't needs a spokesman<\/p>\n
An increase in fuel prices is essential in view of the ailing
\nstate finances. Consequently, the government must sharpen its
\npriority scale to be able to use available funds for wide-ranging
\npurposes at this difficult time. The raising of fuel prices
\nshould thus be seen as a rescue measure.<\/p>\n
There was relatively little reaction to the government's plan
\nto raise fuel prices. Many had even urged the government to make
\nthe unpopular policy known to the public.<\/p>\n
Even so, street rallies against fuel price hikes are on the
\nrise. It is still unclear whether the rallies will be confined to
\nnew fuel prices or will turn their attention to the issue of
\nnational leadership. Are the rallies merely a bargaining tactic
\nin a political game?<\/p>\n
Raising fuel prices has put the Megawati Soekarnoputri
\ngovernment in a dilemma. Unless they are raised, the country will
\nmove toward bankruptcy very rapidly. However, if they are
\nraised, people on fixed incomes, many of them members or
\nsupporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
\n(PDI Perjuangan), will be hardest hit.<\/p>\n
Fuel prices will also deal a blow to those who have so far
\nreaped windfall profits from either subsidization or the sharp
\ndifferential between fuel prices in the domestic and
\ninternational markets.<\/p>\n
Anyway, the government has chosen to swallow a bitter pill
\nthat will add to the burden of the general public. Officials
\nshould be praised for their courage in adopting an unpopular and
\nrisky policy.<\/p>\n
It would be sensible for the government to appoint a competent
\nspokesperson -- one with the credibility and authority to explain
\nstate policy and who is capable of explaining complex problems in
\nsimple terms.<\/p>\n
-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/govt-needs-a-spokesman-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }