'Better system needed to replace subsidy'

'Better system needed to replace subsidy'

A steady increase in fuel prices in the international market has
renewed debate among experts over the merits of the fuel subsidy
in the country. Experts are largely divided on the issue. But
what do the public at large think about the debate? The Jakarta
Post interviewed residents in the capital to get their comments
on the burning issue.

Satrio Adi Wicaksono, 25, a doctor at a Navy hospital in
Jakarta.

It is better if the government quits subsidizing fuel; it will
ease the burden on the state budget.

I personally think that the amount they are setting aside for
the subsidy is too large.

Perhaps the subsidy has contributed to the mess our country is
facing right now.

It would be better if such funding was aimed at improving the
quality of life of the majority of Indonesians. It might even
ease the traffic, especially in Jakarta because people would opt
for cheaper public transportation .

However, the government must develop a better system to
redirect the fund into education and health than what they have
right now.

Inanti P. Diran-Lubis, 40, is an event organizer for cultural
and heritage-related events.

I don't think it would be wise to quit subsidizing fuel.

People are still burdened by the last fuel price hike and they
will suffer all the more if fuel prices are raised again, because
it will affect the prices of everyday commodities.

If they claim that the subsidy is to be put into education and
health, they have to develop a better system first. Currently, I
do not see it working. Affordable health services are still
merely a dream; the same goes for education.

When they have a better system, dropping the fuel subsidy
would probably work in the long run. But, for now, it is very
unlikely.

The Jakarta Post