UGM issues book on fuel price hike

UGM issues book on fuel price hike

YOGYAKARTA: In response to the government plans to raise fuel
prices, Gadjah Mada University's Center for Pancasila Economy
Studies (Pustep-UGM) launched on Wednesday a book on issues
related to the price increases.

The 77-page volume tries to explain why people are opposed to
the fuel price increases and why they should be rejected.

Senior UGM economist Mubyarto, who is also head of the center,
writes in the introduction to the book that the volume comprises
papers presented during a discussion on the issue hosted by the
center on Jan. 4, 2005. He adds that no justification emerged
during the discussion for the government's plan.

"This is serious," he says, adding that both the government
and the public need comprehensive information on the issue to
allow for a rational discussion.

"Be that as it may, we hope the government will be mindful of
the principles of the Pancasila-based economy and not forget its
promise to push for change, as stated during the recent election
campaign.

"The public are waiting for their leaders to demonstrate
wisdom in their decision-making," he said. -- JP