"I am sure it will be smooth, they will end up in sharing the same view on the issue. So, I do not see any wide differences among coalition members," Hatta Rajasa said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa has said he believed the House of Representatives (DPR) would join the government`s view about the need to increase subsidized fuel prices.

The minister said, while at the presidential office in Jakarta on Wednesday, that he also thought an agreement would be reached among members of the coalition.

"I am sure it will be smooth, they will end up in sharing the same view on the issue. So, I do not see any wide differences among coalition members," he added.

Differences among political party factions in the DPR might emerge only on issues relating to protection of those people who are harmed by the price hike, he noted.

The minister added that there may be differences on the issue of the government`s handling of inflation caused by the price hike.

"It seems the House Commission VII has finished its discussion with the minister last night," Hatta said.

All factions, he said, agreed with the planned fuel price hike in view of the uncertainties in the world crude markets, and to maintain the health of the nation's economy.

"All have agreed that the fuel price hike is necessary in order to save the national economy, owing to the uncertain conditions caused by world crude price volatility," he explained.

Until now, only the Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP) and the People`s Conscience Party (Hanura) have openly expressed their opposition to the planned fuel price hike.

As chief of the joint secretariat of political parties in the government's coalition, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will meet leaders of the coalition parties at his private residence in Cikeas, Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday.

Hatta said it was just an informal meeting, and therefore issues to be discussed could include everything from the planned fuel price hike to the general elections bill.

"There's nothing specific about it. It is just an informal gathering, a common meeting, (and so) discussions could range from A to Z. Well, you know what an informal meeting is," he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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