REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Towards the increasing of fuel price, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) asked public not protest in brutal way. The Indonesian effort to maintain law and democracy would be in vain should Indonesian express their aspirations in an unconstitutional manner, he said on Wednesday in Jakarta.

"The police, security officials, and law enforcers should take the strongest possible action against brutal protesters," the head of state said.  

He noted that protests were allowed if it was executed in a dignified manner. Public should also responsible for Indonesian security.

“The most important thing is all protest or rallies should not be turned into anarchist or violating the law,” SBY said. 

President said the increasing of subsidized fuel price would affect the politics, social, and security situations. Thus, he asked public to fully observe the government plan.

The Chief of Indonesian National Police, Timur Pradopo, said he would not impede the protests, but he noted the protest towards increasing fuel price was different if it included in subversive act to overthrow the government. Should it happen, he would take the strongest possible action.

Head of the National Police Headquarters Public Information Service, Senior Commissioner Boy Rafli Amar, added National Police has brought down 15 thousand personnel to secure the fuel price protests. The vital points are State palace, House of Representatives office, and Bundaran Hotel Indonesia.

National Police has also intensified the security in important locations, such as Pertamina and gas stations (SPBU), especially on the night before the increasing. “So far the condition is conducive,” Amar said.

In the other side, military does not involve actively in the security. Yet, Commander in chief of the Indonesian military, Admiral Agus Suhartono, said his army was ready. “We are ready if we are needed,” he said.

According to the former chief of House of Representatives, Akbar Tandjung, SBY administration will not be overthrown due to fuel price increasing. The politic maneuver should not be considered as a threat to overthrow the government, he said.

Kontras coordinator, Haris Azhar, regretted the actions taken by the government that he said tended to militaristic actions. “The government should have understood that protests are common,” he said. 

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