Proportional response needed

Proportional response needed

From Koran Tempo

The government announcement on fuel price increases has
apparently triggered student demonstrations but ironically, the
support for ordinary people's complaints has been less.

In addition, the public is also disappointed with the students
unconstructive actions such as their boycotting of fuel tankers
-- vehicles that have nothing to do with the government's fuel
price policy.

Many circles want to use the fuel price hikes as a springboard
for a national movement, particularly politicians who are
opponents of the government and other entrepreneurs. Therefore,
the students as young intellectuals should be intelligent and
proportional in their response by avoiding brutality and
thuggery.

The students' demands are actually the same as intellectuals
and activists of non-governmental organizations who support the
price rise -- to promote people's welfare through the reduction
of fuel subsidies.

FANNY SUSILOWATI
Jakarta