"We know that the global economic crisis is still affecting Indonesia."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said on Monday the government`s policy to control the use of subsidized fuels also had considered global economic uncertainty.
"There are many things we must consider. We know that the global economic crisis is still affecting Indonesia," he said here on Monday.
Thus, he added that the government was careful in deciding the best option to control the use of subsidized fuels, the more so because the country`s current account and budget were still experiencing a deficit.
"We need to study them profoundly," he said.
Agus expressed hope that the government would choose the best option later this month to ensure healthy fiscal conditions until the end of this year. He added that all studies had been considered profoundly.
"I cannot disclose the matter now because nothing can be conveyed (for approval) yet. Let`s await until it is finalized," he said.
But he added the government would likely choose the option to reduce the use of subsidized fuels by affluent people and provide subsidy to those entitled to it.
"The subsidy for the poor will be maintained, while the subsidy for the rich or those that are not entitled to it will be reduced," he said.
Earlier, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik said the government was most likely to choose the option to raise the price of subsidized fuels for private cars.
"When exactly it will be announced is still being discussed. And when the time comes the President will announce it," he said.
(Uu.S012/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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