Fertilizer versus Ratih

Fertilizer versus Ratih

From Media Indonesia

Theft of fertilizers recently took place in various towns.
Fertilizer shops have been plundered. Fertilizer factories have
been coerced into selling their product below the market price.

The actions were triggered by the government's announcement
that it would remove fertilizer subsidies. This resulted in the
increase of fertilizer prices. The withdrawal of the subsidies
was actually meant by the government to increase the index of
certain agricultural produce.

The removal of the subsidies is acceptable, but the government
should have had better timing. Under present circumstances it
will clearly increase the burden of farmers. President Habibie's
profuse promises to farmers in Karawang that the government would
continue to subsidize fertilizers is still fresh in our minds.
What has the reality borne out? There is even more to it. Another
statement claimed that farmers should become a force to push
economic growth amid the crisis. With the current unaffordable
prices of fertilizers, how could they possibly help economic
growth?

The farmers, dreaming about the continuity of their work, have
been startled yet again by the government's plan to organize a
civilian militia (Ratih). The establishment of Ratih is meant to
help maintain calm and safeguard the country.

However, what disturbs the farmers is that the funds for the
militia training will be taken from the state budget. The
subsidies for fertilizers earmarked for food production and the
whole population and for economic growth as expected by the
President came from the state budget.

Apparently the government thinks it is better for the people
to be safe (?) than to be hungry due to the lack of fertilizers
for crops. The best thing would be that the people are not hungry
and the situation remains safe.

DIDI JULIANTO

Jakarta