He argues that this policy demonstrates the government's incompetence, citing the plan to withdraw KRL subsidies due to declining state revenue while failing to manage or increase that revenue.
He believes that this policy sacrifices the public by increasing prices.
Budiawan further claims that subsidies based on NIK in the name of fairness are actually misguided and highly deviant thinking.
According to him, train ticket prices should be uniform for all citizens, as mandated by Article 28i, Paragraph 2 of the Indonesian Constitution, which guarantees freedom from discrimination.
He explains that discriminatory pricing can only be applied through differentiated services or facilities, such as VVIP, business, or economy classes.
He argues that if the government proceeds with the policy, it would violate human rights, as stipulated in the constitution.
In the 2025 draft state budget, the PSO subsidy for PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero/KAI) is allocated at IDR 4.79 trillion for operating various types of economic class train services.
However, there is a note regarding the disbursement of these subsidies, specifically mentioning the implementation of an electronic ticket system based on NIK for Jabodetabek KRL users.
The Directorate General of Railways at the Ministry of Transportation is currently holding a public discussion on this policy.