Pros and Cons of NIK-Based Commuter Line Fare Subsidies, Here’s the Public’s Response

JAKARTA – The government’s plan to set KRL fares based on NIK (Population Identification Number) which will be implemented gradually has drawn pros and cons. Many people reject it but there are also quite a few who support the move.

For your information, the imposition of KRL fares based on NIK itself is carried out by the Government in order to provide subsidized fares to the underprivileged. However, with that, it is not impossible that KRL fares will also increase for other people.

One of those who agrees with the imposition of KRL fares based on NIK is a student named Dini. She considered the plan quite good because by imposing fares based on NIK it can help the underprivileged.

“If there is a program like that, I agree because it makes it easier for the less fortunate. Those with higher incomes should also be able to receive it because they are more capable so they can reduce the burden on the less fortunate,” he said when interviewed at Pondok Cina Station, Depok on Tuesday (3/9/2024).

A similar thing was also expressed by a student named Syifa. She admitted that she agreed with the plan to impose KRL fares based on NIK by the Government. According to her, with this program, the community can indirectly help each other.

“Actually, I agree because (the rate) depends on each person’s economic condition. If it is subsidized for people who need it, that’s okay, it’s good,” he added.

However, there are also quite a few who reject it. For example, a private employee named Naomi. To MNC Portal Indonesia, she said that the imposition of the tariff would actually be burdensome because many people have KRL as an alternative transportation with cheap rates.

“I think it’s unfair because we also get money and weigh it up for what. So if the fare goes up, our goal in taking the KRL is to get it cheaper, but if the fare goes up, it’s better to take a private vehicle,” said Naomi.

Meanwhile, another, named Alvito, considered the imposition of KRL fares based on NIK as a noble effort by the Government to provide welfare to the lower classes, the implementation of which is still doubtful.