Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia Melanjutkan Kehidupan Islam
HTI press- Jakarta. Government plan to increase fuel price at the end of May has sparked massive protest. On Tuesday afternoon (13/5) hundreds of HTI members and other members of muslim community including women and children staged demonstration in front of government’s Freedom Palace in Jakarta. In addition to Islamic Banners, protesters upheld posters such as “Fuel Belongs to the People, Yet People suffer”, “Fuel Price Increases, and Poverty too”, “Syariah and Khilafah: Caretaker of People’s Welfare”. Other organizations such as Muslim University Student Association and Islamic Student of Indonesia had joined the protest.
Orations were punctuated with Takbeer and slogans to reject rising fuel price. “Our government has killed the system. A lot of people cannot afford healthcare and medications because they are too expensive. Now, fuel price is going to be up too. Are we going to stay silent?” asked Farid Wajdi. The protesters immediately responded with a resolute “NO”. Mr. Wajdi, who is an HTI activist also pointed out that we cannot afford to be silent since people’s welfare is in dire strait. “Opposition must go on, ” he insisted.
Muhammad Al Khaththath, secretary general of Forum Umat Islam (FUI) said that the head of state must take care the welfare of the people. “According to Hadeeth, a head of state acts as a shield to to protect the people from any economical, theological and military onslaughts.” On contrary, Mr Al Khaththath charged the current regime led by Susilo Bambang Yudoyono and Jusuf Kalla had served foreign and capitalist interests and had failed to do its mandate.
A speaker representing Islamic Student of Indonesia said that democratic system had failed to deliver its promise. “Our current goes bankcrupt. Let’s embrace Khilafah!” Almost instantly, the people shouted Takbeer. He continued,” If SBY-JK insisted on rising the price of fuel, then we urge for their resignation.”
During press conference, Hizbut Tahrir Indonesiaspokeperson, Mr. Ismail Yusanto pushed the government to cancel the plan of rising the fuel price. Mr Yusanto also questioned government’s claim that the rise of fuel price in the world forced the government to increase subsidy, which it cannot afford any longer. In reality, not all of the fuel was imported. Thus, there is no reason why domestic fuel price must be adjusted to international price.
According to Mr Yusanto, Indonesia has produced about 910 thousands barrels every day. Therefore, the issue of subsidy should be linked to the amount of imported fuel instead of the entire fuel usage. Mr Yusanto also quoted Kwik Kian Gie, a respected Indonesian economist who said that there is a profit margin obtained from oil production, which amounts to 35 billion rupiah that goes to the government coffer.
The government’s claim that the rising fuel price will reduce poverty is also questionable. Several independent simulations have shown that the number of people living in poverty will increase to 26 million, while inflation will be up to 26%.
“We must stress that the issue of fuel price has exposed the current relationship between the rulers and the people is like between sellers and buyers. The proper relationship should be between the people who own the resources and the rulers who obtained a mandate to manage the resources. Therefore, the people have the right to obtain fuel with a reasonable or the least expensive price possible,” added Mr. Yusanto.
Natural oil and other natural resources belong to the people and must be used by the people. “We call our government to nationalize oil and natural gas companies, which have been operating in our country,” said Mr. Yusanto. National government should be the one who manages the oil and gas production for the betterment of people’s welfare, instead of generating profits for foreign companies.
If the government insisted to increase fuel price, then the government chooses to be an oppressive regime. Therefore, people must re-consider their support to a regime, which has created and prolonged misery with no ending in sight. Furthermore, the people must choose a ruler that is accountable, who will implement a better system. There is no other system except a Sharia, which will manage the natural resource in a just manner. [abu ziad; may 16 2008]
No to Fuel Oil Price Hikes.
Fuel oil belongs to the people, but they have still live in poverty
It was a pity for the people to bear the burden resulting from the government`s policy
Islamic organizations should unite and start a global movement to advance Indonesian Muslims and extend their political influence.
Islamic organizations should think globally.
Until the twentieth century, the ‘ulama was a vital part of all Islamic government. Since all Islamic society is to be founded on the the sacred law, the ‘ulama had special functions in legislation, adjudication, and interpreting the law.
We pray to Allah (swt) to grant the Muslim Ummah victory and establish for us the Khilafah Rashida that will bring true accountable rulers to the Muslim world. Ameen