'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