The 30-percent increase in fuel prices has hit Budi Aryanto hard. Since the hike was announced by the government two weeks ago, the 46-year-old's average daily income has plummeted 40 percent. Before the price of premium gasoline rose, the angkot (minivan) driver on the Manggarai-Karet route used to take home at least Rp50,000 a day. "Now, I'm only able to hand over Rp30,000 to my wife." he said dejectedly.

No wonder that Atek,