The Story Of Jokowi Not Raising TransJakarta Tariffs To IDR 5,000

Jokowi while serving as Governor of DKI Jakarta showed a TransJakarta bus ticket worth Rp. 3,500, accompanied by the Head of the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency, Udar Pristono. (ANTARA/Dhoni Setiawan)

JAKARTA - Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY)'s government plan to increase fuel prices has made Indonesia dizzy. The effect of increasing fuel prices has been criticized by many parties. Regional stability has become disrupted. Take the DKI Jakarta government for example.

Joko Widodo is faced with a big dilemma due to the increase in fuel prices. The main transportation rate for Jakarta residents, TransJakarta is threatened with an increase from Rp. 3,500 to Rp. 5,000. An increased option must be taken, otherwise the DKI Jakarta government will lose money. However, Jokowi chose not to increase the tariff and bear losses.

No one doubts the negative effect of increasing fuel prices for the people is miserable. All because the price of goods/services also rose. The condition was also realized by President SBY in 2013. He was again faced with the reality of taking an unpopular policy of increasing fuel prices.

This condition is because the Indonesian state budget can swell in the coming year. The government cannot provide much fuel subsidies. Moreover, the subsidies provided are often not still targeted. The discourse on increasing fuel by SBY was heavily criticized.

SBY is considered not to care about the fate of the people. This case can make the people even more miserable. SBY also answered criticism and criticism. He tried to calm the angry people. SBY asked his critics to be wise and immediately understand the situation.

SBY admitted that no one in his government was happy with the plan to increase. However, because the option of increasing fuel is considered an economic savior, SBY chose not to like it.

He also asked those who criticize not to politicize the issue of increasing fuel for the benefit of a handful of parties who will compete in the 2014 election. SBY asked for practical political interests to live in. Everything so that the Indonesian economy can be stable.

SBY then repeatedly assured that his policy was none other than in the interests of the Indonesian people. At its peak, the government was forced to increase fuel on June 22, 2013. Premium from Rp. 4,500 to Rp. 6,500 per liter. Solar which was originally Rp. 4,500 to Rp. 5,500.

"No one is having fun when the policy to increase fuel prices must be taken. It is not too easy for certain parties to claim that they are the ones who love the people. We all love the people."

"No one doesn't love the people. Let's put it second in place because there is something we have to do together. However, I take that risk with full responsibility because I don't want our economy to worsen," said SBY as quoted by the website.co, June 12, 2013.

SBY's decision to increase fuel prices has brought many problems. Other prices of goods/services also increased. This condition was complained by many regional heads in Indonesia. Jokowi is one of them. The governor of DKI Jakarta in the 2012-2014 era felt the big influence of rising fuel prices in the capital city.

The DKI Jakarta government is faced with the option of taking an unpopular policy. The owner of power will inevitably have to increase the public transportation rate for the pride of Jakarta residents, TransJakarta. The bus, which has its own lane, is predicted to increase from Rp. 3,500 to Rp. 5,000.

This condition is because the DKI Jakarta government will bear heavy losses if it is not increased. Jokowi tried to recalculate. He tried to ask for consideration from many parties. However, Jokowi also made wise decisions.

He refuses to increase TransJakarta rates. He prepared with all kinds of problems that arose from his decision. Jokowi considers raising TransJakarta rates is tantamount to killing public transportation in Jakarta.

The price of Rp. 5,000 will not be commensurate with the return of Jakarta residents to dedicate personal transportation of motorbikes or cars. Jokowi's decision to get support from all the people of Jakarta. In fact, it makes Jokowi's image as Indonesia's future leader echo everywhere.

Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) also supports Jokowi's desire not to increase the rate. Ahok considers that in principle the TransJakarta tariff needs to be increased because the DKI Jakarta government bears many losses. However, the increase will not occur in the era of his government.

"There are no protests. We take this decision because we solely want to encourage the public to use public transportation. We also don't want this TransJakarta bus to be abandoned by customers."

"There are many considerations from the DKI Provincial Government, including that we want private vehicle users not to increase. Finally, we decided not to increase the TransJakarta bus fare," Jokowi said as quoted by the Republican page, June 26, 2013.