'Haven't we suffered enough?'<\/p>\n
As global fuel prices continue to rise, the government plans to
\ncut the fuel subsidy to ease the burden on the state budget. The
\nJakarta Post asked residents what they thought of the possibility
\nof further fuel price increases.<\/p>\n
Francisco H. Putra, 24, is a vocal teacher at a prominent
\nmusic institution. He lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I personally need the fuel subsidy. I cannot imagine how high
\nfuel prices would go without the subsidy from the government.<\/p>\n
Although the government may eventually allow fuel prices to
\nrise in line with global prices, I think an immediate decision
\nwould cause widespread chaos.<\/p>\n
I guess our society has been spoiled by subsidized fuel,
\npeople think it is the government's obligation to provide them
\nwith cheap fuel.<\/p>\n
Moreover, most people think that because we have lots of oil
\nrefineries fuel prices here should be lower than elsewhere in the
\nworld.<\/p>\n
So, if the government wants to get rid of the fuel subsidy, it
\nbetter do it gradually.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the government has no choice but explore
\nrenewable energy sources to solve the fuel crisis. Because we
\ncannot depend on fossil fuels forever.<\/p>\n
Alverta Mutiara, 22, is a student at a state university. She
\nlives in East Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I will definitely criticize the government if it does not
\nallocate the money to subsidize fuel. Getting rid of the subsidy
\nis an unrealistic policy that would just burden the people even
\nmore.<\/p>\n
It is common knowledge that fuel prices affect the prices of
\nbasic commodities. So, how about the poor? How will they meet
\ntheir needs? Haven't they already suffered enough after the
\ngovernment recently cut the fuel subsidy?<\/p>\n
I think there are lots of things that have to be considered
\nand done before getting rid of the fuel subsidy. I believe there
\nis a more delicate way to cope with the problem.<\/p>\n
Maybe they can provide a cross-subsidy for fuel. As we all
\nknow, cars that use Pertamax and Pertamax Plus belong to the
\nrich. If the government doubled the prices of those fuels, I do
\nnot think it would be too much of a burden for them.<\/p>\n
The government could allocate the extra money to subsidize
\nother fuels that people use in their daily activities, such as
\ndiesel and Premium.<\/p>\n
Even if the government cannot afford to subsidize fuel
\nforever, they should eliminate the subsidy gradually to reduce
\nthe effect on people.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/havent-we-suffered-enough-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }