Curhat Wong Little To AHY: No Work, Many Debts

Democratic Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono/PHOTO: Nailin In Saroh-VOI

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) delivered a political speech closing his campaign period at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).

AHY revealed that in his campaign to the regions to greet the community, many small people or little people confided about the post-COVID-19 economic conditions. Starting from not having a job, expensive prices to a lot of debt.

AHY explained that COVID-19 has devastated the global economy. Moreover, international conditions are also faced with security instability such as war in Ukraine and Palestine, as well as tensions in the South China Sea region as well as on the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan.

The geopolitical dynamics of the region, according to him, has had a negative impact on the Indonesian economy, which had previously been under pressure.

For example, the economic slowdown, depreciation of the Rupiah exchange rate, and disruption of food and world energy supply that has caused an increase in food prices and fuel prices.

"The business world has also been affected, many industries and MSMEs have gone out of business so that unemployment has increased, as a result, income has decreased and purchasing power is low. This condition is what I see when I meet the people," AHY said during a speech at JCC, Tuesday, February 6, afternoon.

"Many little people talk about their condition, have no jobs and have a lot of debts. Meanwhile, those who have jobs, have mediocre income," he continued.

In addition, AHY continued, farmers question the scarcity of cheap fertilizers, fishermen complain about the limited cheap diesel, while MSME players face limited business capital and low purchasing power of the community.

"We understand that the current situation is not easy. The government has tried to provide social safety nets for the poor and underprivileged, but it is only a short-term solution that is not enough," he said.

The eldest son of the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia wants the people to no longer depend on short-term assistance from the government. According to him, the people must have enough work and income to meet their daily needs. In fact, he said, the people can also save and invest in the future of themselves and their families.

"We should be grateful that the Indonesian economy is still maintained in the midst of not being light. That is all because President Jokowi and President SBY, as well as previous leaders have laid a strong economic foundation," concluded AHY.