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