'Some don't make enough to eat'

'Some don't make enough to eat'

A recent increase in the prices of liquefied petroleum gas and
high octane fuels sparked protests by people concerned over the
possibility of steep price increases for other fuels next year,
which also would cause the prices of basic commodities to rise.
The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinions on this
issue.

Zaky, 25, works at a publishing company in Central Jakarta. He
rents a house in Depok:

I understand the government must do something to increase its
revenue, but to raise fuel prices drastically would attack our
sense of justice because the money would just go to cover the
state money stolen by corruptors.

The government should first arrest all of the corruptors and
confiscate all of their assets before talking about raising fuel
prices.

Just the rumor of a fuel price hike caused the prices of
several basic commodities to increase? In a market in Depok, for
instance, the price of 50 kilograms of rice rose to Rp 155,000
from Rp 145,000 just because of the rumor.

I believe that if the government increases fuel prices, even a
little, most people will protest against the move. That's what I
have heard from people at food stalls, in markets and on buses.

Yanti, 26, works at a consultancy in South Jakarta. She lives
in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta:

I understand that our fuel is among the cheapest in the world.
Basically, I agree with the government's policy of raising fuel
prices, as long as the prices of other commodities are kept at
their current levels.

Based on my experience, the prices of most unrelated
commodities will also drastically increase along with the fuel
prices. My friend said the rent on her house will go up if fuel
prices are raised. Sad but true, many businesspeople will take
advantage of other people's misery.

It will be very tough for the poor if the government raises
fuel prices in the absence of some mechanism to protect them.
Some people already don't make enough even to eat. What will
happen to them if transportation fares and the prices of basic
commodities go up?

--The Jakarta Post