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AKARTA: In protest of the planned increase in fuel prices starting April 1, thousands of factory workers will rally at fuel stations across Tangerang regency on Thursday.

“Our main target during the rally is to temporary seal off a number of fuel stations along Tangerang’s main roads,” Koswara, the coordinator of Tangerang Workers Associations Alliance (ASP), said.

The workers also plan to occupy the Tangerang regent’s office and the regency council building in Tigaraksa to urge the regent and councillors to
reject the fuel-price hike. “Increased fuel prices will only increase the burdens of workers who are still struggling for a monthly wage increase,” he said.

According to Koswara, the only hope of restoring the economy is for the government to take back control of all oil wells and refineries in the country, not by selling state assets to foreign investors and increasing fuel prices.

Tangerang Regency Police chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Priyo Andogo said the police were prepared for the rallies. “We will deploy officers at every fuel station to anticipate workers’ plan to blockade fuel stations,” he said, adding that the police would continue to urge workers to refrain from anarchy during their rallies.