The Increase In Fuel Has Affected Anyone, Puan Maharani Asks For BLT Disbursement For Small People Right Targeted

Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani (Photo: DOK DPR RI)

JAKARTA - The chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the government to immediately disburse social assistance (bansos) for the small people in the aftermath of the increase in fuel. The transfer of subsidies needs to be given to the public quickly so that consumption does not slow down. “ Subsidized diversion must be right on target. Given the increase in fuel prices had a direct impact on increasing transportation costs and potentially increasing the price of other commodities, social assistance for the underprivileged must be disbursed immediately,” said Puan in an electronic message received in Jakarta, Monday, September 5. The plan is that social assistance of Rp24 trillion will be given as a result of the increase in fuel prices. In detail, BBM Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) is Rp12.4 trillion, wage subsidy assistance is Rp9.6 trillion, and the General Transportation Subsidy is Rp2.17 trillion. Puan encouraged the Government to accelerate the disbursement of the social assistance program. “ Public consumption will certainly be affected by the increase in food prices and other basic needs due to the increase in fuel prices. Social assistance is needed for the lower middle class,” said the PDIP legislator. Later, the public transportation subsidy program will be rolled out to public transport drivers, online motorcycle taxis, and fishermen. The DPR hopes that the Government will also consider providing assistance to car drivers or truck transporting goods logistics. “ Because the increase in fuel prices has certainly boosted logistics costs. This means that the business world is also affected by the increase in fuel prices. The government must think about lower-level workers, especially those related to transportation,” said Puan. Meanwhile, BLT BBM of IDR 12.4 trillion will be given to 20.65 million underprivileged families of IDR 150 thousand/month which will be given in September for 4 months. Then wage subsidy assistance of Rp9.6 trillion will be given to 16 million workers with a maximum salary of Rp3.5 million per month in the form of wage subsidies given at Rp600 thousand. The increase in fuel, according to Puan, also has the potential to cause layoffs (PHK) because the business world is also affected by the impact following the increasing logistics costs. <quo; Like during the COVID pandemic, when people's purchasing power weakens, of course the business world will experience sales pressure. Already, like during the pandemic, employees are laid off. There must be anticipation in overcoming this problem, ” said Puan. Furthermore, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture asked the government to also pay attention to the middle class people who have the potential to become new poor due to the increase in fuel prices. Puan reminded the relevant ministries to participate in collecting data on people who could become new poor people. “ Included are small informal workers and MSME groups whose businesses rely on transportation and purchasing fuel. As well as service MSMEs that require fuel operations, I think they should also receive compensation for assistance, ” said Bung Karno's grandson. On the other hand, Puan asked all parties, including the business world and workers, to be able to refrain from facing this change. Because diversion needs to be done so that the subsidies are right on target. “ DPR will carry out strict supervision to ensure that the transfer of fuel subsidy budgets for the community can be accepted effectively and accurately, ” said Puan. The DPR also emphasized that it is open to input from the public regarding this issue. Puan ensured that the DPR would always be transparent and ready to accept the views of all elements of society. <quo;I hope the decision to increase fuel can be handled wisely. Basically, the policies issued are aimed at the welfare of the people,” the end.