Electricity rates

Electricity rates

From Sinar

It is not the first time the state electricity company has raised electricity rates. The company has increased its rates repeatedly. It is normal practice for the increase to be determined without prior consultation with the House of Representatives (DPR). The government has good reasons for excluding DPR's involvement in determining rate increases. Soon after the announcement of the increase, people criticized the government's decision. Comments came from all levels of society, from legislators to housewives, from scholars to small traders.

Scholars' and legislators' arguments are, of course, more sophisticated and more analytical. The common people have only a simple argument: "I earn so much a month. I have to feed the family, pay the school expenses, transport fees, etc. and then set aside enough for the electricity bill. Is there any left?"

Despite society's opposition to the increases, the government turns a deaf ear to the people's cries. On the other hand, the leaders always stress the need for holding consultations which lead to an unanimous agreement in finding solutions to societal problems. Nevertheless, as far as electricity rates are concerned, no consultation and no mutual agreement was undertaken. Then what's the use of complaining, arguing or giving comments? Whenever the power's will is in conflict with the society's aspiration, it is invariably the latter who is the loser.

M. SANOESI

Jakarta