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Forum: Fuel price hikes
Fri, 07/18/2008 11:16 AM | Reader's Forum
Most of Indonesians cannot understand SBY's reasoning in scaling back the fuel subsidy because the majority of them are poor and uneducated, i.e. people who are directly affected by rising fuel and food prices.
It is not surprising they're upset. The unfortunate truth is any good president would find it hard to achieve anything worthwhile in Indonesia. There is too much opposition, and people are too easily provoked in this vast and volatile political and economic environment.
Rising prices will undoubtedly hurt Indonesians in the short term, but over the long run freed up resources will prove beneficial to Indonesia's development, e.g. agriculture, education and human resources. Sadly, most Indonesians don't share this view. I am sorry for SBY. Good intention, ill-fated.
OWEN
Jakarta
I personally believe SBY will win the election again. It's true his decision to raise fuel prices was unpopular, but it's for the good of this country. Once people realize this, they will vote for him.
Again, personally, I think he's still the best choice from the candidates we have right now.
ALEX ABIMANYU
Jakarta
'Abang-None' pageant -- July 15, p. 4
Unfortunately for some people, the Abang-None pageant is useful only if it brings benefits to the community or at a broader level, not at an individual level, like making finalists aware of Betawi culture.
As a Jakartan who pays taxes from A to Z, I, of course, prefer my money go directly for museum rehabilitation rather than financing the Abang-None pageant through the Jakarta city budget.
VERONIKA TOBING
Jakarta
Timor Leste and us -- July 16, p. 6
What a joke. Why doesn't Indonesia send the troops and generals responsible for this brutalization of the Timor people to the Hague to be tried for their crimes.
As normal, corruption is still rife in your country and justice can be bought and sold for a price. Open your eyes Indonesia, otherwise you will return to the past and be again ruled by a military dictatorship, not that it will be any different than right now.
ROD
Sydney
Rod, I think what has been done and stated by our President and Timor Leste leaders is correct. The report stated that pro-independent group also did similar (brutal) acts which were related to their leadership as well.
I suggest you focus on your country's problems rather than focusing on what happened in Indonesia in the past.
Your country is not a perfect country in terms of human rights, which is reflected in how Australia deals with immigrants and Aborigines (read, discrimination) in many fields. Funny that your government always wants our country to do whatever your country wants.
SYAMSUDIN
Jakarta
