Soldiers sell kerosene

Soldiers sell kerosene

JAKARTA (JP): Soldiers in East Java have sold kerosene to the
public to sooth widespread fears that the price will rise
fourfold, an official said yesterday.

East Java Governor Basofi Soedirman said in the provincial
capital Surabaya that the move was part of the Armed Forces'
commitment to protecting the people.

"Soldiers selling kerosene only happens in Indonesia. This is
evidence that the Armed Forces also guarantees that essential
commodities are available to the public," he said as quoted by
Antara.

Basofi made the remarks amid persistent rumors that the prices
of basic commodities in East Java will skyrocket soon.

Local authorities are on alert for possible fresh rioting
triggered by such rumors. On Monday, hundreds of people in
Pasuruan went on the rampage after prices had risen dramatically.

Basofi called on people to be wary of such rumors and to
refrain from using violence in responding to unconfirmed news.

He also called on the security authorities to act quickly when
dealing with unrest so that it would not spread.

"However small a riot may be, it can get out of hand if it is
not properly handled," he said. (aan)