Members of the Union of Catholic University Students of the Republic of Indonesia (PMKRI) together with 500 university students from different institutions have demanded the government to reduce the high price of basic necessities as it is affecting poor people.

“We urge the government to cut the price of basic needs. Many people face hunger, commit suicide and subject to conflicts due to poverty,” a protest representative read the students’ statement at a rally in front of the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta yesterday.

The students said the government failed to protect the people by canceling state subsidies. “It makes them more marginalized,” they said.

“The poverty line is increasing,” said the protesters, adding that the government lied to the people by saying the poverty line has decreased.

Stefanus Gusma, chairman of PMKRI, said at the rally that “We demand changes in this country.” The university students are fighting for the good of the people, especially the poor.

Participated in the protest were the Association of Muslim University Students (HMI), the Protestant University Students Movement of Indonesia (GMKI) and the National Movement of University Students of Indonesia (GMNI).

“We hope the government will soon cut the price down,” said Arif Mustofa from the Muslim students association.

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