Susilo pushes fuel price hike
Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Rengas Dengklok
There was a little dirt in the eyes of the Regent of Rengas Dengklok, Achmad Dadang, when he arrived at the main market of the town, some 80 kilometers east of Jakarta, on Wednesday morning.
With his official brown shirt looking a touch untidy, it was quite apparent that he was not expecting a visit from the nation's number one person.
In fact, everyone in the historic town was completely surprised by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's impromptu visit. The visit was aimed at monitoring the impact of fuel price hikes his government announced on Monday.
Never before has an incumbent Indonesian President dropped by this West Java town, which rose to prominence during the independence struggle in 1945. At that time, a group of youths took national leaders Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta to the town and strongly urged them to proclaim Indonesia's independence.
Leaving Jakarta at about 6 a.m., the Presidential convoy, using only eight cars rather than the usual 12, were caught in traffic jams several times en route to the town. No police officers were seen clearing the roads, as usually happens.
According to standard procedure, police stop all traffic within three kilometers, or at least 10 minutes before, the President and his entourage use any road.
Susilo's entourage included State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Minister of Trade Mari E. Pangestu, Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriyantono and Minister of Transportation Hatta Radjasa. Minister of Mining and Energy Purnomo Yusgiantoro joined them later.
At a bus terminal, the entourage stopped to allow Susilo to talk to some people. He was quickly thronged by residents wishing to shake his hand.
The President then proceeded to the terminal office, only to find that the terminal head had not arrived.
In the market, Susilo braved the muddy ground, to the surprise of many people. He talked to some traders about the prices of their goods and price increases.
Despite their appreciation for Susilo's unprecedented visit, some vendors complained about losses they suffered as a result of crowds damaging their goods.
The President then visited the small Proklamasi Hospital. He asked an on-duty doctor to identify poor patients deserving of free medication.
Those listening to the conversation were surprised by an unidentified woman interjected, shouting: "Don't increase sembako (basic commodities) prices!"
But Susilo kept cool. "This is why I make impromptu visits. I have also ordered regents and district heads to check prices in markets, terminals and gas stations. We'll do our best," he said.
The next destinations included the Karyasari Elementary School, with buildings that appeared fragile and dilapidated, a kerosene distributor, and a rice field where some farmers were busy harvesting, as well as the Cibitung Market in Bekasi.
At the school, Susilo sang a song with the students and promised to renovate the building.
Presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said that presidential advisors had chosen Rengas Dengklok as the place for the president to visit to observe the impact of the fuel price increases, however it was Susilo alone who decided where he would stop.
Throughout the visit, Susilo told people that the government was determined to improve their welfare. He also asked them to exercise patience as it would take time to realize this goal.
The President also explained that the government had set up a number of programs that would directly benefit the poor.
The trip ended at about 11 a.m. at a small restaurant offering Padang cuisine near the Cibitung Market. Susilo ordered a nasi (rice) Padang meal, eating in the traditional manner without utensils.