'We have to start cutting back on things'

'We have to start cutting back on things'

Shortly after the government announced fuel prices were going up
beginning March 1, the prices of basic commodities and
transportation costs began rising. This proved to be a double
whammy for residents already trying to cope financially with the
fuel price hike. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their
opinion on the matter.

Joice Adelina, 24, is an accountant at an export company on
Jl. Guntur in South Jakarta. She lives with her family in Tebet,
South Jakarta:

I have already felt the blow of the latest fuel price
increases, especially in my transportation expenses.

Although most bus crews haven't raised fares yet, I have to
dig deeper into my pocket because I can't stand not to give them
more.

I don't know how they could afford the skyrocketing prices of
basic commodities if passengers continued to pay the old fares.

Almost every day my family complains about how much more
expensive everything is, such as when we dine out together.

At my office everyone is grumbling about having to cut back on
things to save money, especially those who are married.

Some of the people in the office have started to bring in
their lunches to save money.

We all know that we have to cut back on things because we
cannot expect a raise.

Sumardi, 50, is a taxi driver who owns his cab. He lives with
his wife in Cikini, Central Jakarta:

It's better for the government to subsidize programs for the
poor instead of keeping fuel prices artificially low, which just
leads to smuggling.

This way, at least in theory, those who need assistance will
receive it.

Lots of people in my neighborhood need all the help they can
get. Whether or not the subsidies will reach them is another
question. But let's give the government the benefit of the doubt.

Luckily, my family has not had to depend on any form of
government assistance. I once tried the rice that the government
hands out to the poor, but I gave it back when I realized that it
was of poor quality. Let the government raise prices. As long as
the economy and security keep improving, it's fine with me.

--The Jakarta Post