Police warn protesters not to occupy fuel depots

National police chief Gen Da?i Bachtiar warned on Monday they would take strict action against protesters who try to occupy fuel depots in any part of the country in protest against the government?s recent decision to raise fuel prices along with electricity and telephone charges.

?Occupying such facilities is an exaggerating action. It is against law,? Da?i told reporters at his office as reported by Detik.com news website.

Da?i said the police would only allow peaceful demonstrations, and that he had instructed all regional police chiefs to anticipate massive protests in their areas against the government?s decision to increase fuel prices and electricity and telephone tariffs.

Hundreds of protesters have gone to the streets in Jakarta on Monday, and more are expected to follow suit on the same day. Some of them said they would try to occupy fuel depots.

The government raised fuel prices by up to 22 percent last Thursday, and had increased electricity and telephone charges by an average of six and 15 percent respectively the day before.

In December, the government raised the domestic price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by 12 percent. (*)