Revealing Difficult Economy Conditions Of Society, Ibas Emphasized AHY's Speech Was Not Only Words

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Democratic Party faction in the DPR RI, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono or Ibas, emphasized that the political speech by Democratic General Chair Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) at Istora Senayan yesterday was not just an oration, but in accordance with conditions in society.

According to Ibas, AHY has conveyed the main ideas needed to address Indonesia's current condition.

''For example, when the General Chairperson of the Democratic Party emphasized that the people were having a hard time, that was not a figment of the imagination. It is not a statement made up to discredit the work of the government or to offend any party. That is indeed a statement based on facts on the ground,'' said Ibas in his statement, Wednesday, March 15.

Previously, AHY talked about government policies that were considered not pro-poor or the underprivileged. He then revealed the people's troubles, where there was Mrs. Yanti in Central Sulawesi who screamed because the price of basic commodities was high. Where is a sack of 50 kilograms of rice, almost IDR 1 million, which means IDR 20,000 per kilo.

AHY also admitted that he heard complaints from farmers in Sumatra and Nusa Tenggara about the high price of fertilizer. He said the ministry of agriculture's budget is minimal where this year's budget is only IDR 15 trillion. This figure, according to him, is equivalent to the 2014 state budget allocation for the agricultural sector. In fact, the 2023 state budget posture is IDR 700 trillion more than 2014.

Ibas confirmed that it was impossible for AHY to make up stories. Because as a party administrator and member of the DPR, Ibas admits that he also often hears these complaints when visiting his electoral district in East Java VII.

He also emphasized that what AHY conveyed in his speech were aspirations that he often heard from the public.

''Again, that's the voice of the people, and must be conveyed. We are fair, we appreciate what is good, but if there are voices such as complaints regarding prices, yes they must also be conveyed even though it might sound bitter,'' said Ibas.

Ibas also underlined another phenomenon related to economic problems, namely fishermen's complaints due to the scarcity and high price of diesel fuel. This complaint, he said, was even felt among fishermen in Maluku, Papua and other eastern parts of Indonesia.

"Don't forget, the chairman also said that many MSMEs are still having difficulty getting up from the post-pandemic slump. In particular, to get access and assistance with venture capital. This is certainly good information, yes, evaluation material, must be considered,'' said Ibas.

In addition to the problems mentioned by AHY, Ibas also assessed that there was a need for a settlement related to education. Where, he said, there are still many honorees complaining about their unclear fate in West Java, Central Java and East Java. The problem is, the salary is low and uncertain, while the dream of becoming an ASN is also increasingly unclear.

“I also think the younger generation is a point that needs careful attention. Democrats, in this case, have often stated that from our various dialogues with the younger generation, the issue of employment very often emerges," explained Ibas.

"Meanwhile, on the other hand, in this digital age, the disparity in digital access between rural and urban communities is still quite large," he added.

Previously, the General Chairperson of the Democratic Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) conveyed three things in his political speech at the Senayan indoor tennis court, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, March 14.

AHY mostly expressed his criticism of the people's economic conditions and President Joko Widodo's programs. Such as the food estate program to the Job Creation Law.

AHY also alluded to the government's policies which were deemed not pro-poor to the tax issue.

Regarding political issues, AHY discussed the decision of the Central Jakarta District Court which asked for the election stages to be stopped in connection with the discourse on extending the presidential term. As well as, the issue of lawsuits for an open proportional election system was also discussed at the Constitutional Court.