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