"I have politely said we could not accept the price hike, we reject the fuel price hike. But, it must not be only me who is voicing that and covered by TV journalists. You must all help those people who cannot accept the fuel price hike," the general chairperson of the Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP), Megawati Soekarnoputri, said here on Saturday during her political speech before party members from across West Nusa Tenggara.
The speech was delivered, according to officials, as part of efforts to strengthen the party`s three pillars-- structure, legislative and judicative-- and sponsored by the central executive board.
Before some 5,000 members, Megawati urged party members to conduct activities to oppose the government`s plan to raise fuel prices on April 1.
"But do not commit violence, as our party is a solid, disciplined and orderly party," she said, drawing applause from attendants.
The former president admitted she had made a statement to various media that the party had agreed to reject the fuel price hike.
All party members in the PDIP faction in the House of Representatives have also been instructed to reject the plan during meetings at the House.
"Later, factions in the House of Representatives would take a stand. Let us just wait for the results of the plenary meeting of the House of Representatives to see whether the price will finally be raised or not. Pay attention to it. I have said study it thoroughly first. Do not only talk. We must become rational people with good behavior," she said.
The daughter of Soekarno, who proclaimed Indonesia`s independence, Megawati said all sides must see the problem with passion so they would become professional in reacting to talk about the fuel price hike.
The government and other parties, including political parties, must consider the outcry of the people heard in various regions throughout the country.
"Do not ignore people`s continuing complaints until today. People say prices of other goods have already risen before the price of fuels was raised. We must not ignore it. For a political party it is a must to listen to the people`s voice," she said.
Due to rising world crude prices, the government plans to raise the price of subsidized gasoline by Rp1,500 from Rp4,500 to Rp6000 per liter, or to set the subsidy at a maximum Rp2,000 per liter.
The plan still has yet to be approved by the House of Representatives.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
