The Association Of Workers Unions Urges Jokowi's Government To Lower Prices Of Skyrocketing Basic Materials

President of the Indonesian Aspects Mirah Sumirat. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Association of Indonesian Workers Unions (Aspect Indonesia) urges the government of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to immediately reduce the prices of basic goods.

This pressure was launched in line with the skyrocketing price of food needs at this time.

"Aspect Indonesia urges the Joko Widodo Government to immediately reduce the prices of basic goods for the community and not increase electricity rates," said President of the Indonesian Aspects Mirah Sumirat through an official statement received by VOI, in Jakarta, Monday, February 26.

Mirah revealed that the current price of rice was recorded as the highest during the Jokowi administration.

In fact, it increased by 20 percent from around Rp. 14,000 per kilogram (kg) to around Rp. 18,000 per kg.

Not only rice, continued Mirah, the price of chicken eggs has also increased very high at this time to Rp 32,000 per kg.

In fact, according to him, usually the price of chicken eggs is below Rp. 25,000 per kg.

Even the price of chili had penetrated Rp100,000 per kg.

In addition to the price of basic necessities, Mirah also highlighted the plan to increase electricity rates which will take effect from March 1, 2024. He opposed the plan, considering that the current economic condition of the community is increasingly difficult.

"The Indonesian people really scream with various government policies that do not prioritize the interests and welfare of the Indonesian people," he said.

Mirah said the high price of basic necessities and also the plan to increase electricity rates will make the burden on the community even heavier. As a result, it will have an impact on reducing people's purchasing power.

In addition, continued Mirah, the rampant layoffs (PHK) that occur in Indonesia and the increase in the provincial minimum wage in 2024 which are very small, will certainly make it more difficult for the community to be able to meet their daily needs.

"Those who are still working alone will find it difficult to meet their daily needs due to rising prices for basic necessities, especially victims of layoffs (PHK) who are certainly very affected," said Mirah.

Therefore, Mirah reminded Jokowi at the end of his tenure as president of the Republic of Indonesia to focus and be serious about working for the people in realizing prosperity and justice for the community.