'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