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