THE gloomy news was announced from afar, from China. When meeting with businesspeople, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated that he would adjust domestic fuel (BBM) prices. Like it or not, it must be done, said Susilo.

When oil prices passed US$50 per barrel, exceeding (Amended) State Budget assumptions at US$45 per barrel only, it was easy to predict price increases. Before it was leaked by the president, aspirations to do so were uttered b