On utility price hikes<\/p>\n
From Bisnis Indonesia<\/p>\n
In response to the recent price hikes which the government
\nargues would remove price disparity, I would like to give the
\nfollowing comments and suggestions:<\/p>\n
Price disparity will lead to speculative practices, smuggling
\nand corruption, making the government's intention to provide
\nsubsidies by reducing the prices of basic commodities
\ncounterproductive.<\/p>\n
If the government is really concerned about the lives of the
\npeople in the low income brackets, it can give a direct subsidy
\nto them, but the government must not fix basic commodities at a
\nlower price than strategic goods, because it will eventually lead
\nto smuggling and price disparity.<\/p>\n
The government must, of course, be careful in determining the
\nkind of assistance to be rendered: Some points to be taken into
\nconsideration:<\/p>\n
* Identify the basic needs of the people in the low-income
\nbrackets.<\/p>\n
* Select the kind of assistance, particularly that related to
\ntheir basic needs.<\/p>\n
* Determine the kind of assistance which has the smallest risk of
\ncorruption in distribution.<\/p>\n
* Determine the institutions to be involved in channeling the
\nassistance, preferably religious institutions.<\/p>\n
* Determine the system of supervision.<\/p>\n
* Prevent selected institutions from being influenced by
\npolitical organizations.<\/p>\n
In addition, the government must immediately set up a reliable
\ndistribution system according to the kinds of assistance
\nrendered, e.g: To help the people in relieving their burden in
\nelectricity, the government must determine the limit of
\nelectricity used in kilowatts hours and install electrical gauges
\nin places which allow easy meter reading.<\/p>\n
In the education sector, the government must give teachers
\nallowances which can be paid through post offices and banks.<\/p>\n
SEJATNA SOENOESOEBRATA, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/on-utility-price-hikes-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }