Yudhoyono said there was a bigger national interest behind the government`s plan to raise the subsidized oil prices and give compensation to the poor.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appealed to political elites in the country here on Wednesday to set aside their political interests with regard to fuel price.
He said there was a bigger national interest behind the government`s plan to raise the subsidized oil prices and give compensation to the poor.
He said the decision was needed to save the national economy, improve the budget condition and help the low-income group to cushion price increases as the impact of the decision.
"With all my heart I appeal to my colleagues, all political elites to set aside practical political interests or interests relating to the 2014 general elections as it needs to be done jointly by the whole nation," he said.
President Yudhoyono said now was one of the difficult times for the country`s economy, which is actually also experienced by other countries in the world.
He said that the policy to raise the price of subsidized fuel oils was the last option available to save the economy.
He said the government did not like it but it was the only option available.
"Actually I have many times expressed the need to reduce the oil subsidy and increase the price of subsidized oils. In 2011 I also received pressure to do it due to increasing price in the world but I said at the time that if there was another option to avoid it I would take it," he said.
He said right now the subsidized oil price hike was needed to make the fiscal condition healthier and the deficit to soar above three percent to violate the law.
"Everyone knows the House of Representatives is not in the position of rejecting it because it is under the authority of the government and this is the last resort that we must take for sake of our economy," he said.
The oil subsidy has so far also been enjoyed more by the middle class and so by reducing the subsidy part of the funds for it could be used for social protection programs for the poor and also basic infrastructure development.
President Yudhoyono said he was aware that raising the subsidized oil price was not a popular policy but it was badly needed and therefore regardless of the general elections in 2014 he would go ahead with his decision to raise the price for the sake of a bigger national interest.
He said he hoped by doing it the next government would face no burden. "My hope is we would unite to maintain our economy," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
