No small change, better generation

No small change, better generation

From Surabaya Post

The hike in fuel prices announced on June 16 annoyed almost
everyone because it immediately increased the prices of every
commodity, particularly the fares of city transportation.

Without waiting for an official announcement from the
Governor, authorizing the exact amount for the fare increase, the
drivers of Angkot (one form of city transportation) unilaterally
upped the fare from Rp 800 to Rp 1,000.

This new, round figure meant that there was no small change
(Rp 200) in return, which, after a temporary period of bickering,
was gradually accepted by the passengers, who had no other option
anyway.

I consider these drivers to be lucky because, until the exact
date of the governor's official announcement, they had made quite
a fortune on their own initiative, pocketing the difference of Rp
200 per passenger while the daily rental fee paid to the owners
was still unchanged.

The other effect of the new fare was the disappearance of
coins, or small change, along with the disappearance of those
"small businesses" specializing in changing your Rp 1,000 notes
with small change -- you receive Rp 900 in small change for one
Rp 1,000 note.

As passengers carry less small change, it has yet another
positive effect in reducing the presence of beggars at the bus
stops.

Maybe part of the next generation will be saved by the above
increase and, hopefully, rather than begging, they will turn to
better ways to earn their livelihood.

It's just like the saying: "Every change brings both positive
and negative effects." I tend to look at the above positive side.

ISMANAN

Surabaya