Indonesia's middle class hit by Pertamax fuel price increase

Members of Indonesia's House of Representatives say the recent rise in the non‑subsidised Pertamax fuel price will hit the middle class hardest. Representative Budi S. Kanang warned that unlike low‑income households, middle‑income families receive no subsidy or market‑operation support, so the higher cost—combined with a weakening rupiah and a falling stock index—could push many into economic hardship.

Activist Yulian Paonganan (Ongen) criticised student demonstrations against the Pertamax hike, arguing the protests shift focus from poorer citizens who still use subsidised Pertalite. He questioned who benefits from the protests, noting that the price rise applies only to the non‑subsidised fuel while the cheaper fuel for low‑income earners remains unchanged.