Govt 'won't backtrack' on fuel price hikes<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro
\nMangkusubroto has pledged to explain the government's
\ncontroversial decision to raise fuel prices, but says a repeal of
\nthe policy is not in the offing.<\/p>\n
Kuntoro said yesterday he would visit the House of
\nRepresentatives today as requested to explain the policy that
\nwent into effect Tuesday.<\/p>\n
"As a president's aide, I will go as they (legislators) have
\nrequested because I respect the House," he told journalists
\nbefore attending a cabinet meeting chaired by President Soeharto.<\/p>\n
But he made it clear the government had no intention of
\nrevoking the highly controversial policy.<\/p>\n
"The decision was final as far as the government is
\nconcerned," he said.<\/p>\n
The government raised fuel prices between 25 percent and 77
\npercent. The price of kerosene, the fuel most widely used by low-
\nincome families, recorded the lowest increase of 25 percent to Rp
\n350 per liter, and unleaded gasoline (Super TT) the highest by 77
\npercent to 1,600 per liter.<\/p>\n
House members and the public have expressed their frustration
\nat the government's failure to consult with the legislative body
\nabout the plan.<\/p>\n
They argue that no policy affecting all the people may be made
\nwithout the House's endorsement, as required under the
\nConstitution.<\/p>\n
Demonstrations<\/p>\n
University students have spearheaded a wave of demonstrations
\ndenouncing the policy nationwide.<\/p>\n
Kuntoro disagreed with accusations that the government made
\nthe decision without consulting the House.<\/p>\n
He said President Soeharto and other senior cabinet ministers
\nhad discussed the plan with House leaders, including Speaker
\nHarmoko, last week.<\/p>\n
"That was the best we could do because when there was no way
\nto put fuel price hikes on hold, House members were in recess,"
\nhe said. (prb\/pan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/govt-wont-backtrack-on-fuel-price-hikes-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}