'I won't feel the pinch from the price increases'

'I won't feel the pinch from the price increases'

Teens from affluent families say they will not suffer any
hardships brought on by the government's decision to increase the
fuel and utility prices. However, they are concerned about the
situation and have devised strategies for cutting back on their
spending. The Jakarta Post talked to some teenagers about how
they were responding to the situation.

Jessica, 17, is a student at Laurensia Senior High School in
Tangerang. She resides in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta:

Personally, I don't feel any significant impact from the
recent fuel and utility price hikes because I come from a middle-
income family.

But that doesn't mean that I don't care about the situation. I
sympathize with low-income families who are suffering from
economic hardships. I think the government is insensitive to
their plight.

I am trying to restrain myself from using my car too often to
go out. I want to be more economical and start saving my pocket
money, which is Rp 15,000 a day. I used to spend around Rp
200,000 a week just on gas.

I will make better use of my cell phone, because I usually
spend between Rp 300,000 and Rp 400,000 on calls over the month.

I know that having telephone bills that are that high is
considered too much for a teenager like me. But I need to keep in
touch with my family when I'm away from home.

I rarely use the telephone when I'm home.

Minuk, 14, is a third year student at Global Jaya Junior High
School in Bintaro, Tangerang. She resides in Cirendeu, South
Jakarta:

I've begun to understand the misery of the less fortunate
following the price rises. My father tells me to open up my eyes
and take a look around. There are still many who live in poverty,
like my father's staff members.

I have learned a lot from them because of my father.
Otherwise, I would stay in my own little bubble, unaffected by it
all and living a comfortable existence, like all my schoolmates.
They have expensive lifestyles, such as driving their own car to
school, and their influence makes me lose control and I end up
acting like I'm rich.

On the other hand, I spend Rp 150,000 a month or even double
that on making calls on my cell phone. I go shopping or have fun
with my friends at least three times a week. I blow about Rp
100,000 every week on these trips. I get Rp 20,000 a day for
eating lunch at school.

However, I am trying my best to go out less with my friends
and I will try not to spend that much on movies, fast food and
fancy clothes.

In a way, I'm afraid that if the economic slump continues to
hurt impoverished people here, then it will trigger riots.

Niki, 17, is a first year student at Ora Et Labora Senior High
School in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta. He is a resident of Pondok
Labu, South Jakarta:

I won't directly feel the pinch from the recent price
increases, but I do share the same deep concern with my
schoolmates, whose families aren't that wealthy.

I feel bad for a lot of the poor people who will suffer from
the rise in fuel prices, even though I'm still too young to know
about those things.

To show my concern, I am cutting down on driving. I usually
use my car twice a month and fuel costs Rp 30,000. It's better
not to use it now.

I rarely use my phone at home and my parents only give me Rp
100,000 a month to make calls on my cell phone and pocket money
of Rp 5,000 a day. That's all. Perhaps I will also cut down on my
expenses and stop buying new cassettes or compact discs as I
normally buy some throughout the month.

I don't agree with any of the protests as they will not amount
to much. They won't be able to change the government's mind about
their decision on the price rises.

Wisnu, 16, is a student at Kanisius Senior High School in
Menteng, Central Jakarta. He is a resident of Ciputat, South
Jakarta:

I really feel sorry for the less fortunate who will be
directly affected by the utility and fuel price hikes. I disagree
with the government's decision to raise them.

I think it's OK to hike the telephone rates as mostly middle-
income earners use the phone. But electricity and fuel prices
should not be increased at this time as people from all levels of
society can't get by without those necessities.

I have a big budget every month. My parents give me Rp 500,000
to cover all my expenses for the month, including for gas and my
cell phone, because a lot of times I take my car to school.

Personally, I know the hike in phone rates will hit me hard.
At home, I spend hours surfing the Net, which contributes to a
high phone bill at the end of the month. My parents have warned
me to use the computer less often, but they don't get really
angry with me about it.

Maybe I should drive my car less, especially if I don't have
anywhere important to go.

-- Leo Wahyudi S