Demomist Students: The Government Should Focus On The Eradication Of Subsidized Fuel Abuse, Not Lowering Prices

Aksi mahasiswa pendemo BBM di Jakarta/ Foto: IST

JAKARTA - As a result of the increase in fuel oil prices (BBM), the wave of demonstrations began to be seen at a number of points in Jakarta. A number of student elements and the public rejected the increase in fuel because it was considered to be increasingly difficult for the community's economy.

General Chairperson of PB PMII Abdullah Syukri said an estimated 2,000 people took to the streets to refuse an increase in fuel oil prices (BBM) in the Merdeka Palace area, Monday, September 5.

"It was confirmed that 2,000 people were around," said Syukri.

This action brings four demands to the government.

"We, the Indonesian Islamic Student Movement, are taking a firm stance, rejecting the policy of increasing subsidized fuel prices," he said.

Students and laborers also plan to hold demonstrations to refuse the increase in fuel prices at the State Palace and the DPR RI Building.

In addition, they also brought demands, namely urging the government to be serious and seriously eradicate the fuel mafia.

Then, urge the government to immediately implement a subsidy policy on target.

"Fourth, encouraging the government to open community involvement in the implementation of subsidized fuel distribution," he said.

According to Syukri, the increase in fuel prices will have a negative impact on the lower middle class. This will accelerate the occurrence of high inflation and increase the number of poor people in Indonesia.

"The increase in fuel prices will certainly touch inflation in general because it will spread to all sectors including commodity prices for basic needs of the community," he said.

According to Syukri, increasing fuel prices will disrupt the economic cycle in the country's strategic sectors, especially the transportation, industry, agriculture, marine, tourism and other sectors.

"The government should focus on eradicating the misuse of subsidized fuel beneficiaries," he said.