City set for violent protests over fuel hike

City set for violent protests over fuel hike

JAKARTA (JP): City authorities say they are fully prepared for
violent protests, strikes and shortages when fuel prices are
raised on Sunday.

The authorities said on Thursday 200 buses were on standby
should bus drivers in the capital go on strike to protest the 12
percent fuel price hike.

The police will deploy thousands of personnel to assure the
smooth distribution of gas, kerosene, and basic goods. Officers
will guard gas stations, markets, business centers and offices.

City Hall hosted a meeting attended by representatives from
the Jakarta administration, police, military, market operator PD
Pasar Jaya and Land Transportation Control Agency (DLLAJ).

Mostly middle-ranking representatives were present, unusually
for an important meeting.

The city administration, for instance, was represented by
city secretary Fauzi Bowo, while the Jakarta Police by operation
control command deputy chief Supt. Yuwanto.

"In today's meeting, we checked each institution's final
preparations ahead of the Oct. 1 fuel hike. We all know that fuel
hikes are a sensitive issue that can lead to social unrest,"
Fauzi said.

Fauzi said the 200 extra buses would be borrowed from several
private bus companies, such as Mayasari, Damri and Steady Safe,
in anticipation of possible strikes by workers with the city-
owned bus company, PPD.

"We have heard about the strike plan and even though we are
not sure about it, we choose to be prepared," he said.

Supt. Yuwanto said that his boss, Jakarta Police chief Gen.
Nurfaizi, had ordered all police chiefs in the capital to enhance
security in their areas and work together with security guards at
business centers to anticipate unrest.

"Gen. Nurfaizi ordered us on Monday to keep an eye out for
groups that could use the moment to create instability in the
capital," Yuwanto said.

The police, however, are unable to identify the groups, he
added.

Increasing fuel prices is a tough political decision for the
government as in the past it has often led to protests and
unrest. The last time the government increased fuel prices was in
May 1998. Protests and bloody riots in Jakarta followed,
contributing to the downfall of then president Soeharto two weeks
later.

Under the plan, the price of premium gasoline will increase to
Rp 1,150 from Rp 1,000 per liter, automotive diesel oil to Rp 600
from Rp 550, kerosene to Rp 350 from Rp 280, and bunker oil to Rp
400 from Rp 350.

Deputy governor of administrative affairs Abdul Kahfi said on
Wednesday that the capital would be hit by strikes and protests
ahead of the hike.

The strikes, he said, may well take place at bus terminals,
while protesters could flock to the State Palace, the House of
Representatives building and City Hall.

Last week, state-owned oil company Pertamina promised that
Jakarta would experience no difficulties, such as panic buying,
ahead of the rises, saying the firm had beefed up its gasoline
stocks.

"For Jakarta, we have prepared a total of 7,600 kiloliters of
gasoline," Pertamina spokesman Ramli Djaffar said, adding the
amount included premium, diesel oil, kerosene and bunker fuel.

The company, he said, was prepared for dropping fuel directly
to areas reporting shortages but asked local government to watch
the distribution.

Officer Yuwanto said: "To secure the distribution of gas and
essential goods, Jakarta Police will conduct a joint operation
with neighboring West Java and East Java Police to secure the
northern coastal area of Java to ensure smooth distribution."

PD Pasar Jaya head Syahrir Tanjung said the public had no
reason to worry about the supply of basic needs and staple
foodstuffs as there were adequate stocks so far.

"The public have nothing to worry about because we have enough
stocks and so far the prices of basic goods are still stable,"
Syahrir said.

Media reports have said the price of several items, such as
noodles, eggs, and milk formula has started to increase over the
past few days.

People have also reported that goods have started disappearing
from the markets.

"Some distributors began hoarding items, waiting for new
prices in line with the fuel hike," said a shop manager.
(dja/bsr)