DPD RI Asks The Government To Anticipate The Increase In Non-Subsidized Fuel And Elimination Of Electricity Subsidies

Nono Sampono, Deputy Chairman of PPD RI. (IST)

JAKARTA - Starting in 2023, the DPD RI highlighted various economic policies that have been taken by the government. One of them is increasing non-subsidized fuel, eliminating electricity subsidies for groups 450 to 900 volt amperes, and rising prices for basic commodities.

"Entering 2023, we need to continue to pay close attention to the increase in non-subsidized fuel prices, electricity, and basic commodities so as not to have a negative effect on economic growth and increase the burden on the community," said Deputy Chairman of the DPD RI Nono Sampono when opening the 7th Plenary Session. Session III of 2022-2023 at Nusantara V Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Monday 9 January.

Nono Sampono asked the government to be more transparent in socializing policies so as not to cause unrest in the community. For this reason, the government also needs to think about developing alternative energy sources and equitable electricity for the underprivileged. "It is necessary to develop alternative energy sources to reduce economic burdens due to the revocation of electricity subsidies," he said.

In addition, the DPD RI also urges the government to carry out market operations periodically in controlling basic food prices and controlling the stability of goods supply in the community, especially after Christmas and New Year (NATARU). "For this reason, the DPD RI leadership has assigned Committee II to coordinate with related ministries, especially natural disasters and price stability for the basic needs of the community," explained the senator from Maluku.

At the end of last year, continued Nono Sampono, the government had officially lifted the policy for the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Decree

this is of course taken by the government after conducting an in-depth study and considering the increasingly controlled pandemic situation. "Even though the PPKM policy has been officially revoked, the DPD RI reminds the entire community and components of the nation to remain careful and increase awareness and vigilance in dealing with the impact of COVID-19," he hoped.

Member of the DPD RI from West Sumatra Province Alirman Sori hopes that the DPD RI will fight for village funds so that they can be used independently, either for village heads or nagari. Because based on Presidential Regulation No. 104 of 2021 it is no longer to the village head so that it cannot be managed optimally. "Currently 40 percent is used for social, 20 percent for livestock, agriculture, and fisheries, 8 percent for Covid-19, and the rest is only managed by village heads. This results in disruption of village effectiveness," he explained.

Meanwhile, DPD RI member from Lampung Province Jihan Nurlela highlighted fishing in the open sea using a 30 GT motorboat. According to him, this is very detrimental to small fishermen in finding fish in the sea. "We highlight fishing in the high seas and the use of motor boats 30 GT because they harm small fishermen," he added.

On the same occasion, Member of the DPD RI from Riau Province Muhammad Gazali explained that the village head in Riau asked for a more flexible management of village funds. Because so far there are still many village heads who are still confused in managing village funds so that they cannot be used optimally. "So far, it has been very difficult to use village funds so that they cannot be used to help the village. So the village head asked the DPD RI so that the management of village funds can be more flexible," he hoped.