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strong>Sept. 23, p1

Spending on fuel subsidies in the proposed 2015 state budget has been slashed by Rp 15 trillion (US$1.25 billion). However, it is very likely to surge again if lawmakers add a clause allowing the government to increase the subsidized fuel quota when necessary.

Your comments:

Eliminating fuel subsidies means once again putting the burden of government mismanagement on the shoulders of the people of Indonesia. What will happen is that there will be more money to be mismanaged, more money to be stolen.

The government should prove to the people that it is serious about curbing corruption, mismanagement and misappropriation of money. Then and only then should it gradually eliminate fuel subsidies.

The people of Indonesia do not need to prove themselves. Everybody already knows that given half a chance most people in influential positions will try, if allowed, to '€œcream off the top'€.

It'€™s the government that has to curb and stop this practice; once this happens, there is no doubt that the money in the government coffers will be more than enough to not only maintain fuel subsidies to help the poorer people, but also enough money to create the infrastructure that will put Indonesia on par with its neighbors.

This is not rocket science, it is basic governing principles. Stop the thieving, stop the overpriced tenders and stop the overpriced, substandard civil works.

Stop throwing away money.

Give the people clean water, electricity, good educational facilities and good basic health care.

Hew