'I fear more social unrest'

The government's plan to increase gasoline and kerosene prices in the first quarter of next year has received strong opposition from the public, with some even demanding that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono step down. People argue that fuel price hikes will increase the price of basic commodities. The Jakarta Post asked some people for their opinions on the issue.

Faisol Reza, 32, is an associate consultant in a public relation's company in South Jakarta. He lives with his wife and two children in South Jakarta:

I don't agree with the government's plan to raise fuel prices. The government should take into consideration that once gasoline prices increase it then leads to price increases for other goods.

Low-income bracket people, like myself, will suffer from the price hikes.

When the government increased the price of Pertamax (high octane fuels) last week from Rp 2,450 per liter (43 U.S. cents) to Rp 4,000, I had to double my expenditure from Rp 100,000 to Rp 200,000 even though I do not use our car much.

I will be even more affected when the price of Premium fuel is raised.

Selbi, 60, a retired worker at an entertainment center in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. He lives with his family in Bekasi:

I am not surprised at all with the planned fuel price hikes. Since the beginning, I have known that the new government under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would not have any other choice except to increase fuel prices. He inherited a crippled ship, which was starting to sink, when he took over the helm.

What I fear is that fuel price hikes will trigger social unrest as happened in 1998.

I think it will be a real test for the government who will have to work hard to stave off similar social havoc from taking place.

-- The Jakarta Post