Assistance funds a myth?

Assistance funds a myth?

From Koran Tempo

The offer of assistance fund for public health and education
following the recent reduction in fuel subsidies and the fuel
price increases, is only an excuse to cover up the real issue.
There are several reasons why these funds are only a myth.

First, out of the Rp 50 trillion in fuel subsidy spending that
has been saved, only Rp 17.2 trillion (30 percent) will be
allocated to the assistance funds, while the remainder will go on
other items, particularly debt servicing.

Second, no clearcut plan, rules or systems have been put in
place to distribute the assistance funds.

Third, the prevalence of corruption in the country may cause
the assistance funds to become the target of the unscrupulous.

Fourth, the poor quality of the health and education services
will not be overcome simply by an injection of money from the
assistance funds, which will be paid only until the end of 2005.
w Fifth, this assistance will not be enjoyed by everybody who
has suffered as a result of the general round of price increases
that has resulted from the fuel price increases.

ELRADE ROFAANI
Jakarta