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