Bibin Bintariadi, Jakarta – The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) will announce their position over the fuel price increases. The statement will be sent to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono today.

"PBNU will ask the government to cancel the fuel price increase or at least postpone it," said chairman of PBNU KH Hasyim Muzadi at his house in Malang yesterday.

Muzadi said the government's argument regarding a subsidy benefiting the rich is not entirely true. Discontinuing the subsidy will influence the basic commodity prices and be more of a burden to the people. "They are not ready for price increases," he said.

PBNU recommends that the government optimize revenues and reduce the budget in various sectors.

PBNU also asked the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) to be in the same position over the plan to increase the fuel prices or it will cause the average person to be confused.