Political Communication Expert Emrus Sihombing stated that the Direct Fuel Oil Cash Assistance (BLT BBM) is effective in helping people survive when facing economic conditions that are affected by fuel price adjustments. This is because the fuel price adjustment, however, has consequences for an increase, such as transportation and basic needs.
“The BLT BBM policy is very appropriate and very fitting,” said Emrus in the Trijaya Hot Topic Evening program, Friday (21/10/2022).
Emrus questioned the period of BLT BBM given for four months, “whether the 4 months has been covered. Meanwhile, the increase in fuel prices will persist or decrease. If it goes down, no problem. But if it persists, what else is there to increase the time limit of 4 months, what is the economic calculation carried out by the government, which has not been conveyed by the public, why not 5 months or 6 months?”
However, Emrus admits, until now the BLT BBM policy is still right. The effect of the fuel price adjustment last September was successfully maintained by the government and can be seen in November.
Meanwhile, Next Policy Executive Director Fithra Faisal Hastiadi said the government had chosen to adjust fuel prices and provide BLT BBM to keep the right groups from receiving subsidies. In addition, the fuel price adjustment policy is to provide the APBN in 2023 which is predicted to be more volatile.
“We see that talking about energy subsidies is too big, but it needs to be taken into account. Because of the economic effect whether there is a risk, apparently not. So this is diverted to those who really need it,” said Fitra.
