'We have to totally change our lifestyle'
'We have to totally change our lifestyle'
The recent fuel price hikes have led to follow-on increases in
the prices of other communities and considerably reduced people's
purchasing power. The Jakarta Post interviewed some people here
on what we as a nation will have to do to weather the pinch.
Chrisan, 21, is a student at the University of Indonesia in
Depok, West Java. She lives with her family in Tanjung Barat,
South Jakarta:
I can understand why the government raised fuel prices. When I
was in Bangkok recently, I noticed that gas prices there were
between Rp 6,000 and 7,000 per liter. So, looking at this, it was
a must for the government to raise fuel prices.
However, the fuel price hike means an increase in other
prices, including transportation charges and the cost of food. I
have made several changes to my lifestyle to adapt to this new
situation.
I used to spend a lot of money on food. Now, I bring food
from home, instead of buying food at the campus canteen. With
this, I can use the money I save for other things, including
buying text books and for photocopying expenses.
I will try also to cut back on my shopping and will buy only
the things that I really need.
Sutopo, 42, is an employee of a private bank in Central
Jakarta. He lives with his wife and children in Bekasi:
The fuel price hikes have really affected me as the prices of
most other things are also skyrocketing.
I used to drive my own car to the office. Now, I can't afford
to buy fuel and pay the expressway tolls. Now, I'm taking public
transportation, but taking the bus is very inconvenient. Besides,
I have to change buses several times before arriving at my
office. As a result, I often arrive late.
That's why I plan to sell my car and buy a motorcycle as I
think I can reach my office more quickly that way. Besides, a
motorcycle only needs around three liters of premium to last
several days. I know that using a motorcycle is more tiresome but
I just can't see any other alternative.
I hope that by using a motorcycle I can save more to cover
other expenses, including food and my children's school expenses.
--The Jakarta Post