JAKARTA - Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy Susiwijono Moegiarso said that if the government had to increase the price of fuel oil (BBM), it would be accompanied by the addition of various social assistance programs (bansos). This is done to maintain people's purchasing power.
Furthermore, Susi as Susiwijono is familiarly called, believes that the provision of social assistance is more equitable than the government increasing the fuel subsidy.
"What is certain is that even if there is an increase, we will prepare many social assistance programs to maintain purchasing power and this is more fair. Because if the current price is for everyone who uses cars and also uses Pertalite, we can channel this to social assistance," he told reporters quoted on Tuesday, August 16.
As is known, the rate of consumption of subsidized fuel oil (BBM) is getting faster, making the government inevitably increase imports from abroad. However, the higher world crude oil prices put a heavy burden on the state budget (APBN) to increase fuel subsidies.
He said the value of the compensation subsidy provided by the government this year reached more than Rp500 trillion. This figure is far from the normal amount which is in the range of Rp. 100 trillion per year.
“The DPR has decided on subsidies (the first addition) of IDR 502 trillion. The current price increase makes the state budget even more difficult," he said.
Susi said, the increase in fuel prices has become the government's option. Currently, the calculation of the increase in fuel prices is being carried out by various ministries and related institutions. Including the impact of rising inflation that can be generated if the government decides to increase fuel prices.
However, Susi is reluctant to specify what type of fuel will be subject to price renewal in the future, considering the issue of fuel oil is quite sensitive and closely related to other economic sectors.
"Everything is being calculated. If it goes up, how much will it contribute to inflation, because it will drive inflation," he said.
Susi ensured that if the government was forced to increase the price of fuel, the value of the increase would not be too high and burden the community.
"Even if it goes up, we will not make it too heavy," he said.
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