Fuel Price Hike in Indonesia Amid High Oil Prices... Nationwide Protests Against Increase

Gasoline and Diesel Prices Finally Raised Due to Subsidy Burden
Mass Protests Erupt as Public Transportation Fares Increase

Hundreds of student protesters near the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, are chanting slogans and burning tires in protest against the 30% increase in fuel prices.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] As the Indonesian government raised gasoline prices due to unbearable high oil prices, public transportation fares have been rising one after another. In response, large-scale protests have erupted nationwide, mainly among workers and university students burdened by increased fuel costs.

On the 6th (local time), according to local media such as the Indonesian daily Kompas, Bogor City on the outskirts of Jakarta raised the fares for angkot minibus buses by 1,000 rupiah (about 92 won) for students and 1,500 rupiah (about 138 won) for general passengers. The capital Jakarta is also expected to raise public transportation fares soon.

Motorcycle taxi fares, mainly used by low-income people, are also expected to increase within this week. The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation had planned to raise motorcycle taxi fares on the 14th of last month but postponed it twice.

The Indonesian government had been subsidizing gasoline and diesel prices to keep them stable, but ultimately could not bear the financial burden and raised gasoline and diesel prices by more than 30% on the 3rd.

Following this measure, protests have continued mainly among workers and university students. On this day as well, large-scale rallies with thousands of participants were held nationwide, including in front of the National Assembly.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.