Sign reads ‘Economic, Political Policies’, hand (right) reads ‘Prices’

Government assurances that the country’s economic fundamentals remain strong has done little to stem declining exports, a weakening rupiah and widening balance of payments deficit. Souring inflation meanwhile, following President Yudhoyono’s (left, who recently jointed Twitter in order to ‘stay in touch with the people’) widely criticised decision to increase subsidised fuel prices, has seen the cost of many staple foods double over the last few weeks.