Police Deploy Members to Secure 613 Gas Stations Ahead of Fuel Prices Hike

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Metro Jaya Police Head of Public Relations Division Senior Commissioner Endra Zulpan said police personnel have been deployed at gas stations ahead of the increase in fuel prices. This measure is also aimed at anticipating the possibility of hoarding.

The police have mapped gas stations in the jurisdiction of the Metro Jaya Police. "We have placed personnel to monitor and there is no act of hoarding and such. We make sure that everything is safe," said Zulpan to Tempo at the Metro Jaya Police HQ, Friday, September 2, 2022.

Zulpan said the number of personnel stationed at gas stations depends on the vulnerability level. The Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel from Regional Military Command (Kodam Jaya) will also be mobilized for security.

He appealed to the public not to panic because the fuel subsidy budget was shifted for humanitarian purposes. "So that the subsidy given by the government is right on target."

Zulpan also emphasized that people planning to stage a mass protest against the fuel price hike to notify the police at least three days before the rally. "So we can coordinate with them, to guard and secure the activities they will carry out," he added.

The government reportedly will increase the prices of subsidized fuel, Pertalite and Solar, in considerations of the soaring budget of the energy subsidy.

FAIZ ZAKI | HAMDAN CHOLIFUDIN ISMAIL

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