Prabowo Guards Subsidized Fuel for 80 Percent of the People, Who Can Be Asked to Pay Market Prices

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto has confirmed that the government will maintain subsidized fuel for 80 percent of the Indonesian people, even though the world is being shaken by an energy crisis due to conflicts in the Middle East.

This attitude marks the government's firm line that subsidies are for those who are entitled, not for those who can buy at market prices.

In a briefing at the State Palace, Wednesday, April 8, Prabowo said the government had reviewed the global conditions and concluded that Indonesia's position was still quite safe. Challenges remain, but according to him they can still be faced and overcome.

"For subsidized fuel, we will maintain it for the small people, we will maintain it for 80 percent of our people," said Prabowo.

He then gave a more straightforward emphasis. According to him, a community that is economically strong should no longer ask for state subsidies.

"The strong people, the rich people, if they want to use expensive gasoline, yes they have to pay the market price. You are rich, ask for subsidies again. We defend the poor people," he said.

Prabowo said the government was also preparing a step to control fuel consumption for the next 12 months. He called that period a short-term critical period before Indonesia's position became stronger.