Jakarta – Chief of Staff to the President Moeldoko sent his appreciation towards hundreds of people rallied in Jakarta and some other parts of the country, against subsidized fuel price hike amid soaring inflation and geopolitical tensions.
Particularly, as huge mass rallied around the Arjuna Wijaya statue (also known as the Horse statue) in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (13/9) had delivered their aspirations peacefully, Moeldoko said, the whole situation in Indonesia’s biggest city remained conducive.
“I appreciate the protesters, especially those who rallied in front of the Horse Statue. Despite differences, people express their opinions in an orderly manner,” said Moeldoko, in Jakarta, Tuesday (13/9).
Moeldoko also said that the administration of President Joko Widodo and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin have always been open to criticism and dialogue. Through the Executive Office of the President (KSP), he said, the public are welcomed to deliver their aspirations. The Office, then, will be committed to convey the messages to President Jokowi himself.
“The public are welcomed in the KSP office as it guarantees an open and transparent public dialogue,” he said.
The retired military commander also acknowledged security personnel who tirelessly hold protesters’ temper in check.
“Persuasive and humane approach should be continued to be carried out in the field,” said Moeldoko.
Meanwhile, government has decided to hike subsidized fuel price by 30% on Saturday (3/9) over a pressure of ballooning energy subsidy budget. President Jokowi himself said that he had little choice but to channel the swelling fuel subsidy to aid the poor, providing economic cushion as the country recovers from the pandemic downturn.
