Tweeting the economy

Sign reads 'Economic, Political Policies', hand (right) reads 'Prices'

Government assurances that the country's economic fundamentals remain strong has done little to stem declining exports, a weakening rupiah and widening balance of payments deficit. Souring inflation meanwhile, following President Yudhoyono's (left, who recently jointed Twitter in order to 'stay in touch with the people') widely criticised decision to increase subsidised fuel prices, has seen the cost of many staple foods double over the last few weeks.

Kompas - June 29, 2013

Prices are under control

Man: Prices are under control... there's a 'driver' right

Despite repeated assurances by the government that market prices are under control, the much criticised fuel price hike – just weeks before the fasting month and Idul Fitri holidays when increased demand sees an annual spike in prices – has resulted in the cost of staple foods such as rice, chicken, sugar and chilies more than doubling.

Kompas - June 26, 2013

Social Exhibitionism of Politikus

From an oped piece titled The Social Exhibitionism of Politikus (Politikus – literally 'political rat', a derogatory term for politicians)

Kompas - June 25, 2013

BaLSeM

Kid: BaLSeM. Warm... provides instant relief for kerokan (after oiling and scraping the body) and soreness!

The government's temporary cash assistance program (BLSM) – ostensibly to cushion the poor against the inflationary impact of the recent subsidised fuel price hike – has been branded as mere pork barreling, as ministers with no connection to the scheme scramble to be seen distributing largesse among voters ahead of next year's elections.

Kompas - June 22, 2013

Will it reach its target?

Man: Will it reach its target, no, yes? (chest reads Fuel Compensation Funds, book reads 2013 State Budget)

If past experience is any guide, the government's program to compensate the poor for the planned fuel price hike will likely miss its target with much of the money being siphoned off by corrupt government officials or given to well-off families that are not entitled to assistance.

Kompas - June 19, 2013