'We must accept the govt's decision'

In a bid to gradually lift subsidies on fuel, the government began increasing the prices of liquefied petroleum gas and high octane fuels in early December. The decision has sparked protests from people concerned that the price of basic commodities will rise as a result. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their opinions on this issue.

Maryani, 30, works at a bank on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. She is single and lives in Bumi Serpong Damai, Tangerang:

The planned fuel hike will, of course, burden us more because it will be followed by a price increase in other commodities.

As we have learned from media reports, the government has no other choice; so we must accept its decision.

However, I hope the government subsidy will really reach the target end-users, so that the poor people will not be affected by this policy.

From what I have read in several newspapers, the current fuel subsidy is enjoyed mostly by the rich, because the gasoline they buy for their cars are paid for in part with taxpayers' money.

Handoko, 35, drives a bus serving the route between Kampung Rambutan, East Jakarta, and Senen, Central Jakarta. He lives with his wife and two children in Kramatjati, East Jakarta:

I hope SBY (President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) will decide not to increase fuel prices in the near future, because only people of the low-income bracket like me will suffer from such a policy.

Let's say that bus fares might be raised next year due to the fuel price hike. But there is no guarantee that my income will automatically increase, while my expenditures would certainly be much greater than today.

SBY promised during his campaign that he would improve the people's welfare. If he approves the price hike, it will be a contradiction.

-- The Jakarta Post