The Rejection Of The Ojol DPR Can't Be Subsidy So That Policies Don't Make The Gap Worse

Photo by Fikri Rasyid on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The DPR highlighted the plan for a new scheme for distributing fuel oil subsidies (BBM) that did not include online motorcycle taxis (ojol) as recipients. Support from the DPR defending ojol shows the seriousness of the people's representatives in defending their people.

"Through the voices of members of Commission VI of the DPR such as Mr. Mufti Anam, this has shown concern that deserves appreciation for vulnerable groups, including online motorcycle taxi drivers (ojol)," said Political Communication Observer Silvanus Alvin, Tuesday, November 3.

Some time ago, 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 ojol will be removed if the scheme is implemented. The online motorcycle taxi association condemned Bahlil's plan to get rid of ojol as a recipient of subsidized fuel.

Regarding the plan, Mufti Anam asked the Government to be careful with the policies issued so as not to oppress the small people. Alvin assessed that the criticism submitted by the DPR was not only a form of fighting for the interests of the small people, but also emphasized the importance of a fair and targeted fuel subsidy policy.

"The DPR's move to ask for evaluation and review of the fuel subsidy policy reflects their commitment to ensuring that the Government's policies favor the small community, so that the impact does not worsen the social gap," said the Millennial Lecturer.

Alvin said that the DPR had carried out its supervisory or check and balance function properly. This is considered as a manifestation that the DPR must indeed call for the interests of the community.

"The DPR is committed to ensuring that the Government's policies do not burden the wider community, especially those who rely heavily on the ride-hailing-based transportation sector such as ojol," explained Alvin.

The master from the University of Leicester of England also agreed with the DPR asking the Government not to revoke fuel subsidies for ojol. Alvin assessed that stopping fuel subsidies for ojol drivers suddenly has the potential to raise the perception that the Government is not in favor of vulnerable groups.

"This can lead to the notion that budget efficiency is prioritized over the welfare of the community," he said.

Alvin also encouraged the DPR to ask the Government for an explanation regarding the issue. For example, by summoning the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and related parties to discuss the policy plan more comprehensively.

"There needs to be joint coordination with the executive and the DPR so that they can continue to play their strategic role as a liaison for the voices of the people who fight for prosperity together," said Alvin.

"This step will not only strengthen the position of the DPR as a critical partner of the Government but also ensure more inclusive and sustainable policies for the community," continued the author of the book Political Communications in the Digital Age: from Big Data, Influencer Relations & Strength of Celebrities, to Laughter Politics.

Previously, the Government stated that it would transfer 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 the price of subsidized fuel.

"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," said Member of Commission VI of the DPR, Mufti Anam, Friday (29/11).

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 also reminded Bahlil that online motorcycle taxis, which amounted to 4 million, were also categorized as public transportation. He said that public transportation is not only yellow-plated but also online ride-hailing or motorcycle taxi transportation, so Bahlil's plan is considered very dangerous.

On the other hand, the member of the commission in the DPR in charge of Trade affairs, Trade Areas and Business Competition Supervision, and the BUMN believes that fuel subsidies must be given to those in need, one of which is ojol drivers. Mufti 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 prohibiting the purchase of Pertalite. It is true that the government is extorting its people," he explained.

"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," continued Mufti.

For this reason, Mufti asked the Government to review the plan for a fuel subsidy distribution scheme.

"Remember, don't let the fuel subsidy policy decision be decided indiscriminately and haphazardly," he said.

"This could trigger a massive demonstration. If this happens, the economic and political impacts will be huge and out of control," concluded Mufti.