Cardinal Suharyo Alludes To VAT 12 Percent: Follow The Flow Critically

Bishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo (Jehan/VOI)

JAKARTA - Bishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo alluded to the declining purchasing power of the people due to the 12 percent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT). According to him, the public must follow government regulations. But still critical in responding to it.

"Only of course if the government has decided, it can't be different, except to participate in the flow critically. That means, let's go with the government, no, meaning that we are critical of problems that may arise against decisions, and we don't know what will arise from the problem," said Suharyo to reporters at the Cathedral Church, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, December 25.

He reminded his people to live a simple life and always maintain the spirit of solidarity. So that his people can live their lives with the principles of church social teachings.

"The principles of church social teachings must be maintained, especially by the people in my service. So when this is almost finished, the Archdiocese of Jakarta echoes the spirit of solidarity," he said.

"Next year, a few days, it starts with a different theme, which is to pay more attention to our less fortunate brothers and sisters," he continued.

He also highlighted social assistance (bansos) which turned out to have an impact on the economy. Therefore, he reminded the importance of prudence in carrying out the policy, so as not to make it difficult for others.

"I think it's an important note to be careful with such assistance because when you get direct assistance, the empowerment will stop even though it has been worked on, maybe what you can do is be more careful so that the path you take does not make it difficult for many people," he concluded.