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Text your say: Fuel subsidy cut
Going, going, gone: A gas station in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, displays notices on Sunday announcing that subsidized fuel has run out
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span class="inline inline-center">Going, going, gone: A gas station in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, displays notices on Sunday announcing that subsidized fuel has run out. President-elect Joko Widodo plans to cut the fuel subsidy as it is too much of a burden on the state budget. JP/Jerry Adiguna
Your comments on president-elect Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's plan to cut the fuel subsidy soon after he is officially inaugurated as president after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono refused to implement the unpopular policy.
Why is SBY refusing to cut the fuel subsidy even when it actually doesn't effectively support the needy poor?
As if his 10-year tenure wasn't enough time for him to enjoy watching his nation go down the drain and his people suffer!
SBY, enough is enough; stop the fuel subsidy, and initiate reform of the dreaded BUMN to private enterprises.
Don't act as if you are bequeathing piles of money to your successors; in fact, you are forcing them to become borrowers.
Moeljono Adikoesoemo
Jakarta
Almost all countries in the world adopt the market price of fuel. By decreasing fuel subsidies, the government could allocate more to infrastructure, health, education and create more jobs.
Abdul Rahim
Tangerang, Banten
President Yudhoyono's administration increased the fuel price as a last resort. I am glad Jokowi will solve the root of the problem from the beginning.
The multiplier effect will be great after the subsidy is lifted, such as reduced debt, increased foreign exchange reserves and job creation, as the government will have more money for tangible projects like maritime development, including maritime highways.
Money can also be allocated for cheap education and cheap health care, subsidizing the farmers and fishermen and many more as the government has the funds.
Harry
Jakarta
To reduce or remove public subsidies is a great move toward economic health and an increased national development budget (infrastructure, health care and education), and this I support.
This hot issue is capable of generating mass violence on the streets, all designed to disrupt the incoming administration.
I admire Jokowi's courage in tackling this issue head on. Communicating Jokowi's economic measures call for professional media assistance in polling/surveys, effective public education and PR, so that ultimately public resistance is manageable.
Meanwhile, the new administration must be seen immediately, boldly and vigorously fighting corruption, waste and inefficiency in government.
James Waworoendeng
If Jokowi is willing to share responsibility for the unpopular move to raise the prices of fuel and gas, why is SBY so reluctant?
Is it because he doesn't want to take even half the responsibility? Maybe he cares more for his image rather than the wellbeing of Indonesia's economic health!
Malam
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