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