Council rejects fuel hike

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Makassar students lauded on Wednesday their provincial councillors for refusing the central government's plan to increase fuel prices, planned to take effect next month.

"Thumbs up and hats off for the council. This indicates that the regional administration now has the fortitude to go against central government policy," Iswari Al Farisi, leader of a student organization, said here on Wednesday.

The South Sulawesi legislative council officially declared its rejection of the fuel price hike on Tuesday.

"The decision was made based on very careful consideration. We support the people's demand for a delay in the plan," Amin Syam, speaker of the legislative council, said.

The council's rejection was expressed in a written declaration signed by the council leaders.(27/39/sur)