Triple decker project

Triple decker project

From Kompas

According to a report in Kompas, Feb. 25, regarding the
planned inauguration of the triple-tier project, it will need
funds worth Rp 6.2 trillion (based on a calculation made before
the depreciation of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar), an
amount which may double or even triple on the basis of the
current exchange rate.

As a layman, I feel both concerned and perplexed about the
inauguration of the project because our country is in the midst
of a serious monetary crisis. This crisis has resulted,
obviously, in an uncontrollable drop in value of the rupiah,
soaring prices of basic goods and the bankruptcy of a number of
companies, large ones and otherwise.

The bankruptcies have resulted in layoffs, which, in turn, are
responsible for a higher rate of unemployment. The worst
situation of all is that many people in the low-income bracket
can no longer afford to buy their daily needs.

I do not disagree with the triple-tier project but I think it
would be better to postpone a project of this magnitude to a time
when the economy has returned to normal. In this way, the funds
originally allocated to finance the project can be utilized for
other more important and urgent purposes.

This postponement would be in line with the government's
statement that projects requiring huge funds and not placed in
the scale of priorities must be postponed.

It would be acutely ironic if the project proceeds while many
community members have "dropped down" because they can no longer
afford to buy their daily needs. Wouldn't it be better if the
funds originally allocated to finance the project were used to
subsidize basic needs to alleviate the burden of the community,
so that these goods could be affordable to the greater part of
the community?

ATLAS SAYOGI

Jakarta