Alarming attitude of minister
Alarming attitude of minister
From Suara Karya
Minister of Mines and Energy's instruction to Pertamina for import of premium at any cost to overcome the scarcity of fuel in East Java and Bali caused by the breakdown of Balongan refinery (Bisnis Indonesia July, 20), seems too responsive; it even disregarded the already miserable government's impoverishment. This instruction looked impetuously made, because "at any cost" reflects an irrational, wasteful, hasty, alarming measure. It's only correct from one aspect, i.e. to re-normalize the premium gasoline supply in order to meet the needs of car owners who, by the way, belong to middle and upper class people. It's very easy to make such a policy as it takes only seconds. It'll lead us more into the ravine of economic ruin as it doesn't teach us to be thrifty.
If the minister wished to be rational, calm and smart in observing this scarceness of premium, and to pay more attention to the government and the middle and lower class people, i.e. having the courage to reduce the comfort of private car owners, for example by limiting the operation of private cars, especially cars wastingly consuming premium gasoline (with capacity exceeding 1,800 CC). An arrangement could be made by letting sedans traverse the road on certain days only, minibuses/vans on other days, and jeeps on different days, and if necessary on holidays only motorbikes could be used, while public transport vehicles, as well as motorbikes, could operate on any days.
Realizing that we have become poor and are still suffering from "super crisis", don't act like the rich, because such a measure will please only a few people and will increase the government's indebtedness. So, we must take "super brave" actions.
Though the writer rides a private car for daily use, he would give his full support if the minister made and carried out a "super brave" policy. The writer would be pleased to do his daily activities by bus, taxi, or motorbike, or even on a bicycle, as a reflection that he cares about the state situation and the government. The writer is convinced this solidarity and sacrifice will certainly be backed by our brothers who care for the nation's concern.
Minister Bambang Yudhoyono, you are requested to coordinate with other relevant ministries for being capable and having the courage of taking measures benefiting the people for the purpose of reducing the government burden in subsidizing the premium gasoline price. While most of the premium is wasted by private car owners (including the writer), we are waiting for your policy and measures which are unpopular to a small part of the community, but which are on the side of the government and of most people. Please remember the Javanese saying Jer basuki mawa bea (Welfare pays) which you know very well.
H. WISDARMANTO
Jakarta