Students against fuel price hike<\/p>\n
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Makassar students again took the
\nstreets on Thursday protesting the planned fuel price hike due to
\ncome into effect on Oct. 1 and warning President Abdurrahman
\nWahid that the South Sulawesi people reject the policy.<\/p>\n
The huge rally involved thousands of students from various
\nuniversities, including the Makassar State University (UNM), and
\nthe Indonesian Muslim University (UMI). They toured the city on
\ntrucks and motorcycles stopping off at the legislative council
\nand the state television TVRI building and \"occupying\" the
\nPertamina (the state-owned oil and gas company) office. They
\ndemanded that Pertamina refuse to increase fuel prices.<\/p>\n
\"This is to serve notice on President Abdurrahman Wahid that
\nwe, the South Sulawesi people, reject the fuel price hike plan,\"
\nWahid Nara, the student spokesman, said.<\/p>\n
\"We also warn the Abdurrahman administration not to ignore
\nregional voices, or we will take to the streets in much larger
\nnumbers.\"<\/p>\n
Deputy speaker of the provincial legislative council Edy
\nBaramuli said the council had officially declared its opposition
\nto the proposed fuel price hike and that the students had
\nresponded positively. \"However, the students have the right to
\nexpress their opposition through a rally such as this.\"<\/p>\n
The students lauded the council's decision on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
They said the council's stance indicated that the regional
\nadministration had the courage to go against central government
\npolicies.<\/p>\n
The government's plan to increase fuel prices is highly
\nunpopular and it is expected that it will trigger increases in
\ncommodity prices. The plan has drawn strong protests from many
\nareas. (27\/sur)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/students-against-fuel-price-hike-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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