President Calls Peaceful Rallies Opposing Fuel Price

Seoul (Antara Bali) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, during his Thursday visit to Seoul, asked Indonesian protesters to conduct peaceful rallies against the government's April 1 fuel price hike plan.

"People have the political right to protest and we need to respect that. However, I call upon protesters to conduct their rally peacefully and avoid destroying public property," said the President, who is scheduled to return to Jakarta on Thursday afternoon.

Further, President Yudhoyono defended the government's plan to increase fuel prices, calling it a solution to save the nation's economy and its people.

"I know the decision is unpopular, but it has been made with a purpose," he said, adding that increased fuel prices would also protect the nation's poor population.

Rallies opposing the government's fuel price hike plan have been ongoing since March 27 in many provinces across Indonesia.(IGT)