Opposition mounts against price hikes, govt unmoved

There has been upsurge in opposition against the unpopular decision to increase fuel, gas, electricity and telephone charges, but the government appears undeterred by the growing protests.

Low-income workers, politicians and businesspeople have joined forces to condemn the simultaneous increases and urged the government to reverse its decision.

But Vice President Hamzah Haz stressed Sunday that there was no way for the current administration to annul the increases, which were unveiled by Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti on Jan. 1.

He underlined that the increases had been discussed thoroughly by the government and legislators.

"I don't understand why members of the House of Representatives are criticizing the decision. The price hikes were the outcome of a joint agreement between the government and the House," said Hamzah, who is also chairman of the Muslim-based United Development Party (PPP), the country's third biggest party. (*)