Protest Against Fuel Price Hike; Jakarta Deputy Gov: Don't Turn to Anarchy
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5 September 2022 13:31 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria called on the people who are planning to hold protests against the increase in subsidized fuel prices not to commit anarchic actions.
“Don't let the demonstration turns into anarchy,” said Riza at the Jakarta City Hall, Monday, September 5, 2022.
He asked the protesters to anticipate individuals or groups who would take advantage of the momentum for certain purposes.
He also appealed to the public to wisely respond to the government’s decision on fuel prices. “We hope that all of us respond to it well, wisely,” Riza added.
According to him, there is no other option for the government to adjust the fuel price given the current global situation.
The war between Russia and Ukraine, he explained, triggered a global food and energy crisis. For this reason, the subsidy budget for the energy sector reached more than Rp500 trillion in 2022.
“To date, the Central Government has no choice but to increase [the price of fuel]. However, it is accompanied by cash assistance to the community because according to the central government, [the energy] subsidies have been enjoyed by the upper middle class,” Riza said.
People from several elements, including students, planned to stage mass protests today at several points in Jakarta, including in front of the DPR building and at the Horse Statue roundabout near the State Palace. They would voice rejections to the hike in subsidized fuel prices, Pertalite and Solar.
ANTARA
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