'They spent the people's money for meetings'

The government's decision to raise fuel prices by an average of 29 percent led to heated debate and physical confrontations among legislators in the House of Representatives. The Jakarta Post spoke with some Jakarta residents about the issue.

Sigit, 25, works at a publishing company in Kuningan, South Jakarta. He lives with his family in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta.

It was really embarrassing to see how infantile they acted. As politicians who have spent lots of time in large organizations and parties, they should be better mannered. I cannot imagine how they can represent the people if they behave like that.

I do not think that those legislators who were involved in the bickering really understood the issue. The more they understand an issue, the more they will be able to discuss it rationally.

Personally, the incident really disappointed me. The legislators were elected directly by the people. The fuel price increases may be a test case for them whether or not they are qualified politicians.

Agus, 30, is a trainer at an IT company in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. He lives with his family in Radio Dalam, South Jakarta.

The incident really shocked me. They were like children in a playground fighting over toys. They do not deserve to represent the people if they behave like that.

I think they should learn to discuss problems by debating the issue using solid arguments. There is no room for violence in debate. They must learn from this incident that violence does not solve problems, it only makes them worse.

They must remember that the state spent a lot of money on the deliberations. They cannot just waste people's money with this childish quarreling.