Ojol Plan Can't Get Fuel Subsidy, Legislator: Don't Break The Campaign!

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JAKARTA - The government is preparing a new scheme for the distribution of fuel subsidies where the online motorcycle taxi is planned not to be included as recipients. Member of Commission VI DPR RI Mufti Anam asked the Government to be careful with the policies issued so as not to oppress the small people.

"Remember, don't let the fuel subsidy policy decision be decided indiscriminately and haphazardly. This could trigger a massive demonstration. If this happens, the economic and political impacts will be very large and can be out of control," said Mufti Anam, Friday (29/11/2024).

Previously, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia revealed a plan for a targeted fuel subsidy scheme that would implement a combination system between goods subsidies and direct cash assistance (BLT).

Not only that, Bahlil also said that later only yellow plate vehicles would be entitled to receive fuel subsidies. This means that the fuel subsidy for online motorcycle taxis (ojol) will be removed if the scheme's plan is implemented. The online motorcycle taxi association condemned Bahlil's plan to get rid of motorcycle taxis as recipients of subsidized fuel.

Mufti also reminded Bahlil that online motorcycle taxis, which amounted to 4 million, were also categorized as public transportation.

"Public transportation is not only those with yellow plates but also ride menstrual transportation or online motorcycle taxis. This plan is very dangerous," he said.

In addition to diverting fuel subsidies to BLT, the Government also has a scheme to maintain fuel subsidies in the form of goods for all transportation and public facilities, as well as a scheme to increase subsidized fuel prices.

"The government looks very congested and backward plans to restrict fuel subsidies, this shows the Government's plan to control the fuel subsidies that are right on target," explained Mufti.

Furthermore, Mufti sees that the scheme offered by the Government opens up opportunities for fraud so that it must be reviewed so that there is no loss to the state in the future.

"So confused that it is not clear that the scheme will be carried out. Moreover, ojol does not receive subsidies, this will be more detrimental to the people," said the legislator from the East Java II electoral district.

Mufti believes that the fuel subsidy must be given to those in need, one of which is ojol drivers. He also reminded the government that the majority of ojol drivers are vulnerable groups who need assistance.

"It's a pity that ojol drivers are flanked in the middle. Listen to the complaints of ojol drivers because pieces of applicators such as GOJEK, GRAB, and others have more than 20% and have the potential to violate regulations. This is getting stuck again by banning the purchase of Pertalite. It's true that the government extorts its people," said Mufti.

"Even though these ojol drivers should be given assistance so that they have purchasing power resilience so that when there is a subsidized fuel restriction, the impact can be minimized," he continued.

Mufti also reminded the Government to formulate policies that are effective and that there are no lies committed to the people. The government is said to have to really side with the people, not just imaging.

"The flow has a subsidy limitation, then the government puts it on as if it sided with public transportation. Take off your mask first, first open your mask..." Mufti criticized quoting the lyrics of Peter Pan's song.

Members of the commission in the DPR in charge of Trade, Trade Areas and Business Competition Supervision, as well as BUMN, said that the fuel problem is as crucial as basic needs. Moreover, said Mufti, if there is an increase in fuel prices, which will certainly greatly affect the prices of community commodities.

"It's a pity for the community, after being given a ghosting of the Pilkada social assistance, then giving poison with restrictions on purchasing subsidized fuel. This is if the government only sees the people when their voices are needed, then suffers for 5 years," he said.

Mufti also asked the Government to review the plan to adjust the distribution of fuel subsidies.

"It must be considered carefully because this fuel subdition is crucial. If the scheme is realized, the government must be able to prove that the policies implemented are useful for the community," concluded Mufti.