Govt keeps silent

Govt keeps silent

From Neraca

In October there will be an increase of fuel price. As a result of this government policy, prices of staple food and the daily needs will begin to gradually increase. So far the government is silent. It hasn't made any appeal or threat to sanction traders' speculations.

Recently Warta Kota reported increased prices for staple food and milk. If the prices have already increased, most probably they will be adjusted in October. Why does the government remain silent? What about its efforts to stabilize staple food prices?

I dare say there must be an element of speculation! Why? Because the 10 percent fuel price increase should not (yet) have triggered increases of other prices. As we know, fuel price is only one of the causes for prices of other goods to increase.

As such, the speculation has to be subjected to severe sanctions as it is harmful to the public's interests.

ABDILLAH KAMIL

Jakarta