Speaking to the press before a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR)`s Commission VII here on Tuesday, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik said the funds will be used, among others, to distribute cash handouts and subsidized rice among the poor and provide scholarships for poor children.
"The assistance will be distributed soon after the fuel price has been raised," he said.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa recently said that the cash handouts would be given to about 30 per cent of low-income people who will be affected by the fuel oil price hike.
Jero Wacik said the price hike will also affect the government.
"The government`s budget will be cut. Likewise, a number of programs will also be postponed," he said.
He said the government has also taken a number of steps to anticipate the abuse of subsidized fuel oils before their price is raised.
"Security personnel will arrest anybody found smuggling out or hoarding subsidized fuel oils," he said.
He asked all parties not to do business at the expense of other people`s sufferings.
(T.K007/KR-BSR/S012/INE/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
