Say No to Fuel Price Increase

Ridho Al-Hamdi, Chairman at Central Board of Muhammadiyah Student Association

On Friday evening (May, 23^rd 2008) our government decided again, that fuel (BBM) price is increasing by 28,7 percent. Previously, in SBY-JK era, fuel price increases happened twice, first on March, 1^st 2005 and second on October, 1^st 2005. At the limited conference led by Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani, in the office of Minister of Coordinator for Economics at Banteng Court Area, Central Jakarta, a decision on fuel price increases was submitted by Minister of Energy and Human Resources, Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

For now, the premium price is Rp 6,000 previously Rp 4,500 in October 2005 and Rp 2,400 in March 2005. Gasoline becomes Rp 5,500 previously Rp 4,300 in October 2005 and Rp 2,100 in March 2005. Kerosene becomes Rp 2,500 previously Rp 2,000 in October 2005 and Rp 700 in March 2005.

After this decision, our national politics becomes heated. Many people from various groups criticize and demonstrate in the street. One demonstration extended along HI circle to the President’s palace. They were organized by Young Men’s Activator Network, Student Action Front, Front of Farmer Evocation and Fisherman, Commission of Indonesia Paupers for Justice, and Indonesia Impecunious People’s Association. The demonstration finished in chaos. The police arrested many people among the demonstrators.

The other demonstration happened in front of Indonesia’s parliament (DPR RI) by several students. The action finished in chaos and there were three students injured. On Friday afternoon, before the decision on fuel price increases, hundreds of UNAS students met in their campus in Pasar Minggu area, South Jakarta. The students blockaded Pajaten Raya road for their action. After this occurrence, there was a clash between students and police. This caused FISIPOL UNAS building to be damaged. In this occurrence too, there were 141 students brought to the police office. The same demonstration happened in other areas like Yogyakarta and Makassar.

Many rejection came from whoever, such us political observers, economic scientists, activists, political parties, NGOs (non-government organization), etc. There are some people that according to palace perspective reject fuel price increases, such us Rizal Ramli (former Minister for Economic Coordination in Gus Dur era), Wiranto (General Chairman of Hanura Party), and Fuad Bawazir (former Minister of Finance). But our government still persists with their decision, there are even some parties supporting this decision.

As you know, fuel price increases cause our transportation price to increase. Almost all transportation becomes more expensive, like train, bus, plane, even ojek (motorcycle) and pedicab. So, this policy can not make our life becomes comfortable. The next question is what is the impact of fuel price increases on students in Junior and High School? It must be answered.

There are several impacts of fuel price increases on our students. First, the transportation price becomes expensive. If we take a bus (like Kopaja, Kopata, or Mickrolet), we must pay almost twice as much. On the other hand, if we take a motorcycle, we must pay more to buy gasoline. So, we must scrimp when we spend our money. Second, book prices increase. When we buy books, sometimes we must think again, again, and again. Will our money be enough for several days after we buy those books? Huh, we are confused by this policy. A policy which does not advocate to people. Therefore, we must say no to fuel price increases.