Fuel price hike benefits the greedy

Fuel price hike benefits the greedy

From WARTA KOTA

The impact of the fuel price hike has been unfavorably felt by
needy people and students. Prices of commodities, including basic
daily needs, are also up, some having jumped even before the fuel
hike came into effect.

Strangely enough, some government officials consider the fuel
price hike as not having a very big impact. I think the officials
daring to issue such a statement do not have the conscience to
respond to the grievances of the needy.

The fuel hike might be meant to boost the nation's economy and
equalize our fuel prices with those on the international market,
but I think now is not a suitable time to implement the policy.

Apart from this, the government's plan to give subsidies to
the poor will lead to more corruption, won't it? Will the fuel
hike allowance be equitably enjoyed by the needy throughout
Indonesia's vast territory? More importantly, can the government
prevent greedy businesspeople from taking the opportunity to
hoard commodities and then hike up their prices?

To students, the impact of the fuel price hike is hard to
bear. Public transportation fares go up as gasoline prices go up.
Furthermore, the unwillingness of some public transportation
drivers to stop for students means we get to school late, as well
as costing us money.

I hope the government is prepared to revoke the fuel price
hike, or at least postpone it until all the people are able to
face the increase.

NORMA WAHYU KUSUMA

Jakarta