"Let us ask the people to stay calm and respect the law and regulations. Please express your aspirations, it is allowed by the law. But do not break the law," National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo said.Bandung, West Java (ANTARA News) - National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo said that the police are ready to secure demonstrations that might take place in connection to the government`s plan to raise the price of subsidized oil.
He hoped that demonstrators would not break the law and disrupt public order but if they do "we will process them according to the law," he said here on Wednesday.
"Let us ask the people to stay calm and respect the law and regulations. Please express your aspirations, it is allowed by the law. But do not break the law," he said.
He added that the police would act against any violation of laws according to existing regulations.
Meanwhile, National Police Headquarters spokesman Senior Commissioner Boy Rafli Amar said that the police had not yet issued an alert for readiness in connection to the demonstrations that might take place with the announcement of the hike.
He said police officers across the country were ready to secure any demonstration in their respective regions.
"For Jakarta itself, including the area around the presidential palace, there will be 14,000 personnel ready to be deployed if called for," he said.
Besides assuring security during demonstrations, the police are also ready for security operations relating to the government`s plan such as assuring oil distribution centers as well as "conducting actions against speculators, possible illegal oil hoarding or distribution that would disrupt oil distribution to the people."
The government plans to raise the price of subsidized oil as of April 1 due to the increasing world crude oil price. The plan is currently being discussed in parliament.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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