Jakarta – Dozens of people, many of them mothers with small children in tow, protested outside City Hall on Friday the water rate increase.

The protesters grouped in the Movement of Indonesian Consumers Rights demanded the Jakarta administration revoke the 8.39 percent increase, which was announced Feb. 17.

"The rate increase only benefits the foreign partners of the city water utility. It hurts us consumers," protest coordinator Tono said.

No official was available to meet with the protesters as they were all busy overseeing bird flu checks.

The administration increased water rates so it could pay its debts to its two foreign partners.