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