Gunawan Mashar, Makassar – Planned fuel price hikes which are soon to be announced by the government continue to attract a response from the public. Students in the South Sulawesi provincial capital of Makassar demonstrated against the price increase by hijacking a petrol truck.

Actions took place at two separate locations. The first was in front of the Makassar Islamic University (UIM) and the second at the reformasi toll road intersection. As of going to print, Thursday February 17, the actions were still taking place.

The demonstration at UIM on Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan was joined by scores of students. They had been demonstrating since 10am, giving speeches on the road and setting fire to tyres.

They also hijacked two petrol trucks owned by the state oil company Pertamina as they drove by although they were released a short time later. As well as giving speeches the students held a theatrical action by wrapping themselves in cotton shrouds.

As a result of the action there was a traffic jam on Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan. Also visible were banners reading “Reject fuel [price] increases”

The other action which took place at the same time was at the reformasi toll road intersection which was joined by around 20 people from the National Student League for Democracy (LMND). They also detained a petrol tanker and gave speeches opposing increases in the price of oil. (jon)

[Translated by James Balowski.]