Indonesian police, students clash over fuel

JAKARTA - Indonesian police fired rubber bullets and teargas to try to disperse more than 700 students protesting over recent fuel price increases in Jakarta last night, injuring at least two, witnesses said.

They said police took the action after the students refused to stop burning tyres and blocking streets in a south Jakarta suburb near their university.

One witness said two students had been hurt in the clash, although it was unclear if they had been hit by rubber bullets. The students were still refusing to move and were joined by residents in the area, also upset at the fuel price rises.

National police spokesman Brigadier-General Didi Widayadi said bus drivers and other transport workers were expected to strike in Jakarta following the 30 per cent jump in fuel prices on Saturday, which has triggered some unrest.

"The police, backed by the military, have put 42,000 personnel on high alert in Jakarta. They are being deployed at economic centres, public places, gas stations and other places which are considered hot spots," said Widayadi.

Street violence over fuel prices and a decree that abolished severance pay has added to the pressure on President Abdurrahman Wahid, facing impeachment in August over his erratic 20-month rule.

Fuel prices are a thorny issue in Indonesia, and sparked riots which helped to topple former President Suharto in May 1998.

Police were also on high alert in Bandung in West Java province, scene of some of the most violent protests. Jakarta has seen only minor strikes so far. Widayadi said police in the commodity centre of Medan in North Sumatra might also be placed on high alert.

The price rise is part of measures to stem a gaping 2001 budget deficit that threatens to spiral out of control.

- REUTERS

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