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