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