"The process (of diverting the funds) must be carried out transparently and run with parameters. As long as the government makes it transparent and rational, people will support it," he stated here on Tuesday in response to the subsidized fuel price hike.
Speaking to newsmen after attending a debate among candidates running for the post of rectorship of the University of Indonesia here, he added that the fuel price hike was a necessity the president could not avoid.
"Regardless of who the president was, he would have been forced by conditions to divert the funds of the fuel subsidy to productive sectors," Hidayat, who is the rector of Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic State University, remarked.
The government has implemented a "brave policy" that needs to be appreciated. "However, the matter is not just about bravery but concerns ways to realize it transparently and measurably," he pointed out.
In response to the distribution of the Prosperous Family Cards (KKS), Indonesia Health Cards (KIS), and the Smart Indonesia Cards (KIP), Hidayat opined that a public campaign was necessary and that the government should strive to execute the social safety net programs with tight controls.
On Monday night, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) announced the subsidized fuel price hike that was made effective at 12 a. m. Jakarta time on Tuesday.
The government raised the price of subsidized gasoline from Rp6,500 to Rp8,500 a liter and that of subsidized diesel oil to Rp7,500 from Rp5,500 a litre.
Meanwhile composite Stock Price Index ( JCI ) Indonesia Stock Exchange ( IDX ) closed up 0.95 percent to 5102.46 on Tuesday , or on the first day of the implementation of the increase in the price of fuel oil ( BBM).
IDX Composite Index closed up 48.53 points or 0.95 worth percent to 5102.46 . While the index of 45 leading shares ( LQ45 ) rose 9.37 points or 1.07 percent to 876.58.
(T.SDP-59/Uu.INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
