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Fixed fuel price in Papua 'vulnerable against misuse'
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo looks at a plane transporting fuel in Yakuhimo, Papua, on Oct. 18 during his announcement on the fixed fuel price policy for Papua and West Papua provinces. (Biro Pers Istana/Rusman)
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he fixed fuel price program in Papua, initiated by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in Dekai, Yakuhimo in Papua on Tuesday is vulnerable to misuse, therefore it needs serious law enforcement to avoid players from taking advantage of the scheme at the expense of the people, an expert says.
“Initiating the idea is not enough but we need clear rules and serious law enforcement against anyone who misuses the subsidy,” Yusak Reba, an expert from state Cenderawasih University said Wednesday.
Reba said the fixed price was very low for Papua and West Papua standards, which is Rp 6,450 (49 US cents) per liter for Premium gasoline, Rp 5,150 per liter for diesel and Rp 2,500 for kerosene.
The prices of fuel in Papua and West Papua could reach between Rp 50,000 Rp 100,000 per liter.
“The President has said the government would monitor the implementation, but still, we need clear regulations with punishment. Who will supervise the prices in remote areas?” Reba went on.
Bintang Mountains Regent Costan Oktemta said he would make a bylaw to support the fixed price scheme. “If there is no clear regulation, the cheap fuel will be all bought by someone with a lot of money, who will sell it to people at much higher prices,” Costan said.
Costan said his administration would determine the ceiling price of Rp 10,000 per liter for Premium and diesel fuel. Currently, the price of Premium is Rp 50,000 because of the limited supply. (evi)
