"During the current political year, the LPG price hike decision would seemingly appear as though it was influenced by political interests," Marzuki Alie noted here on Monday.
If the price hike was linked to politics ahead of the general elections, it will only confuse the people and create a feeling of distrust among them, he remarked.
"The opposition parties will claim that the LPG price hike was intentionally implemented for the sake of image building, as the government will then later announce a decision to reduce the price," he added.
"Meanwhile, the government said the price hike was being politicized, as the hike will only drive negative public sentiments towards the government," he added.
However, the house speaker remarked that the LPG price hike during this year is not the best move.
"I think it is inappropriate to raise the price this year when the nation is headed for legislative and presidential elections," Alie noted.
The state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina will slash the price hike for the 12-kg non-subsidized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder from Rp3.9 thousand to Rp one thousand per kilogram, following criticism from the government and people.
"After seeking consultation from the officials of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), the price for the 12-kg cylinder will be reduced to Rp82 thousand from the previous price of Rp117 thousand. The price change will become effective from January 7," State-owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan added here on Monday.
The decision was taken following increasing protests after PT Pertamina hiked the gas price earlier this month, without contemplating its social and economic repercussions.
(Uu.F001/INE/KR-BSR/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
