Religious Leaders Support BMM Subsidy Recovered For Health To Education

Illustration of the atmosphere of filling subsidized and non-subsidized fuel at a gas station in Makassar City. Antara/Suriani Mappong

JAKARTA - Religious figures in West Sumatra, Buya Mas'oed Abidin positively welcomed the plan to change the price of fuel oil (BBM) so as to reduce public dependence on subsidized fuel users.

"We know that through this increase, it is hoped that it will reduce the burden of energy subsidies that are too high," said the former chairman of the West Sumatra MUI who is now a member of the West Sumatra Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) honorary council, Friday, September 2.

Buya considered that it was enough for Indonesia to burn money on the road. In fact, he assessed that the state budget should be directly transferred to the poor or also to other sectors that are in dire need, such as the health sector, the education sector and others.

According to Buya, the adjustment to the price of subsidized fuel prices can also reduce price disparities between subsidized and non-subsidized fuels.

"In addition, fuel subsidies should still be regulated for their use aimed at community groups who are entitled to receive them," said Buya.

According to Buya, the price adjustment for fuel subsidies is unavoidable as a result of the increase in world crude oil prices.

"This increase is not only experienced in our country, but also in other countries, including in developed countries. This impact, global impact," concluded Buya.