'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