JAKARTA: Indonesian parliamentarians gave their backing to 2013 budget revisions on Saturday that include a special compensation package for the poor that the government has demanded before it agrees to cut costly fuel subsidies.
The fuel subsidies have long been a major drain on state finances and contributed to a widening current account deficit. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's repeated delays in raising fuel prices has been cited as a major factor undermining credibility in his government and a threat to investor enthusiasm for Southeast Asia's biggest economy.
The decision by a majority in the parliamentary budget committee needs final approval by a plenary session of parliament, expected on Monday. The decision to raise fuel prices rests with Yudhoyono.
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