'Only the rich enjoy fuel subsidy'<\/p>\n
A steady rise in global oil prices has renewed the debate over
\nthe merits of the fuel subsidy here. Experts are largely divided
\non the issue. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their comments
\non the issue.<\/p>\n
Tonton, 35, is a human resources development manager at a
\ncompany on Jl. Sisingamangaraja in South Jakarta. He lives in the
\nBumi Serpong Damai housing complex in Tangerang:<\/p>\n
I would oppose any moves by the government to drastically cut
\nthe fuel subsidy. That is not just because I drive a car, but
\nmostly I am concerned over the possible impacts of such a policy.<\/p>\n
Low-income families would suffer the most from such a policy,
\nbecause they could not afford basic needs and transportation if
\nfuel prices jumped to Rp 6,000 (60 US cents) per liter.<\/p>\n
That would only lead to increased crime as the poor robbed
\nfrom the rich.<\/p>\n
If the government really wants to cut the fuel subsidy it must
\nbe done gradually. It would still affect people, but the impact
\nwill be less severe.<\/p>\n
Andy, 40, works in a bank on Jl. Hayam Wuruk in West Jakarta.
\nHe lives in the Bintaro Jaya housing complex in Tangerang:<\/p>\n
The government is really in a difficult situation. Tens of
\ntrillions of rupiah must be spent on the fuel subsidy. Meanwhile,
\nthose who enjoy the subsidy are rich people who have luxury cars.<\/p>\n
But if the government cut the subsidy, low-income families
\nwould be affected because of the domino effect of the policy.<\/p>\n
The government could get rid of the fuel subsidy and allocate
\nthe money to subsidize the poor. The problem is that apparently
\nthe government cannot be trusted to distribute the money to the
\npoor.<\/p>\n
I personally do not agree with the idea of the government
\ndoing away with the fuel subsidy. I think the government should
\nmaintain the current subsidy. If it is really forced to eliminate
\nthe subsidy, it must do so in stages.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/only-the-rich-enjoy-fuel-subsidy-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }