Speculators and people's stomachs<\/p>\n
From Neraca<\/p>\n
It seems that the plight of the common people, instead of
\ncoming to an end, is worsening.<\/p>\n
While their earnings are shrinking -- in fact many people have
\nlost their jobs and earn nothing as a result -- the prices of
\nbasic needs continue to soar.<\/p>\n
The price of rice, which is a staple food for the majority of
\nIndonesians, has been increasing uncontrollably. In a week, the
\nhike can be Rp 1,000\/liter.<\/p>\n
Although the government has set the price of low-quality rice
\nat Rp 2,500\/liter, you buy this at the market for no less than Rp
\n4,000\/liter.<\/p>\n
Things have gone from bad to worse because rice stocks are now
\ngetting less. Even at the Cipinang chief distribution market for
\nrice, the stocks of rice can only last for a few months. In the
\ntraditional markets, generally only rice of medium and high
\nqualities is available. In some markets, such as Pasar Senen and
\nRawamangun, rice is already very difficult to get.<\/p>\n
It must be understood that rice plays a significant political
\nrole. If the price of rice remains too high for the majority of
\nthe people, riots are sure to break out. Just remember the riots
\nthat broke out in Cilacap, Cirebon and Situbondo, in which scores
\nof shops, vehicles and property were destroyed. As these riots
\nwere generally triggered by the people's difficulty in obtaining
\ntheir basic needs, the government must handle this rice affair
\nwith great care.<\/p>\n
At this juncture, immediate action must be taken to ensure
\nthat our people will easily get supplies of their basic needs,
\nparticularly rice. There should be no more debates about this
\nmatter. Real efforts must be made to ensure that there no longer
\nare any rice speculators. Otherwise, as a nation, we shall have
\nto go through a deeper crisis.<\/p>\n
HILLARIOUS SUTOPO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/speculators-and-peoples-stomachs-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }