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