Fuel Price Decrease Unrelated to Elections

VIVAnews - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono claims that fuel price decrease which will be implemented as of 15 January is not due to the 2009 Elections. According to Yudhoyono, the decrease is aimed at boosting the national economy by 5.5 percent.

"Yesterday I took a decision and issued a policy [concerning fuel price decrease] from the [presidential] office. It has nothing to do with either the Presidential or legislative elections," said President Yudhoyono on Tuesday, Jan 13. 

According to the President, the national economy, which is being affected by the global financial crisis, can be stimulated by the decrease in fuel prices. The government is targeting that the national economy can grow by 5.5 percent, or at least 4.5 percent.

Criticism as to the decrease in fuel prices, in Yudhoyono's opinion, is normal. He stated that this is one of the many risks that a President in office should take. "The next President-elect will receive the same criticism," said Yudhoyono.

Earlier, the government decided to lower fuel prices for the third time. In addition to fuel prices, the government has also reduced prices of some primary needs such as beef and cooking oil. 

Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono