Thousands Rally Against 'Oil, Gas Liberalization'

Kendari (Antara Bali) - Thousands of people coordinated by Muslim organization Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) took to the streets here on Saturday to protest what they termed the "liberalization of oil and gas.".

The crowds which also included children first gathered at Kendari's Lakindende square and then marched to the Mandonga traffic circle where their spokesmen made speeches elaborating on the rally's purpose.

What they were protesting against was the government's plan to limit consumption of subsidized automotive fuel oil starting on April 1, 2012.

As of the date, all motor vehicles, except public transport and motorcycles, will no longer be allowed to buy subsidized premium gasoline at gas stations, forcing them instead to use pertamax, a fuel oil that costs twice as much as premium.

The government's plan stems from its intention to reduce its fuel oil subsidy burden and is part of a program  to replace fuel oil entirely with gas in the medium-term.(IGT/T007)