Speculators and people's stomachs

Speculators and people's stomachs

From Neraca

It seems that the plight of the common people, instead of
coming to an end, is worsening.

While their earnings are shrinking -- in fact many people have
lost their jobs and earn nothing as a result -- the prices of
basic needs continue to soar.

The price of rice, which is a staple food for the majority of
Indonesians, has been increasing uncontrollably. In a week, the
hike can be Rp 1,000/liter.

Although the government has set the price of low-quality rice
at Rp 2,500/liter, you buy this at the market for no less than Rp
4,000/liter.

Things have gone from bad to worse because rice stocks are now
getting less. Even at the Cipinang chief distribution market for
rice, the stocks of rice can only last for a few months. In the
traditional markets, generally only rice of medium and high
qualities is available. In some markets, such as Pasar Senen and
Rawamangun, rice is already very difficult to get.

It must be understood that rice plays a significant political
role. If the price of rice remains too high for the majority of
the people, riots are sure to break out. Just remember the riots
that broke out in Cilacap, Cirebon and Situbondo, in which scores
of shops, vehicles and property were destroyed. As these riots
were generally triggered by the people's difficulty in obtaining
their basic needs, the government must handle this rice affair
with great care.

At this juncture, immediate action must be taken to ensure
that our people will easily get supplies of their basic needs,
particularly rice. There should be no more debates about this
matter. Real efforts must be made to ensure that there no longer
are any rice speculators. Otherwise, as a nation, we shall have
to go through a deeper crisis.

HILLARIOUS SUTOPO

Jakarta