Hundreds of conservative Muslims marched in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta on Monday demanding that the government revoke its decision to raise fuel prices.
Protesters said it hurts people already reeling from the economic impact of the pandemic, reports AP.
Government blocked streets leading to the Presidential Palace as the demonstrators, many wearing white Islamic robes, filled a major thoroughfare. Many waved red and white national flags and flags bearing the Islamic declaration of faith.
The price of gasoline rose from about 51 cents to 67 cents per liter and diesel fuel from 35 cents to 46 cents.
Prices of gasoline and diesel fuel jumped by about 30 per cent last month after President Joko Widodo’s government cut fuel subsidies to reduce the country’s multibillion-dollar budget deficit.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
