Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Police officers removing pieces of cloth used to pull down fences at the parliament building were hit with stones thrown by demonstrators protesting the government`s fuel oil price hike here on Friday.

Thousands of students and members of trade unions who rallied in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) building were trying to pull down surrounding fences.

However, the stone throwing lasted for only a few minutes, as the field coordinators of the rally were able to calm the crowd.

The police then moved back without removing the cloth from the fences.

The demonstrators managed to pull down the fence at the main gate of the DPR.

They also smashed fences on either side of the main gate and entered the grounds of the parliament building as security officers formed a barricade.

Further, two units of technical vehicles, including water cannons and cars, were also placed on alert.

As of this afternoon, demonstrators were still on the premises, though none had entered the parliament building.

As of 6 pm protesters were still waiting for the results of the plenary meeting at the House of Representatives (DPR) to decide whether it would approve the government`s proposal to raise fuel oil prices on April 1.
(Uu.A014/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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