Andi Hajramurni, Makassar – Prison failed to discourage some 100 poor housewives in Makassar, South Sulawesi, asking the authority to lock them up so they could get a free place to stay and food while being taught different skills they could use to earn a living.

The desperate housewives, who went to Gunungsari penitentiary, said they were fed up having to constantly deal with soaring basic food prices and threats of gas canisters exploding.

"Living inside the prison is much better, enjoying free food and a place to sleep. Outside the prison, we have to live with fear, from gas canister explosions and high food prices," said Andi Asni, the protest coordinator.

The penitentiary warden, Endang Sudirman, who met with protesters, could only smile in response.

The housewives first staged their protest outside Alauddin Islamic State University in Makassar before marching to the penitentiary while carrying several 3-kilogram gas canisters plastered with posters reading "kitchen bombs".

A resident covered in bandages joined the march as a victim of the gas explosions that continue to plague many parts of the country and have claimed material losses and casualties.

"Gas canisters, especially the 3-kilogram variety, are ticking kitchen bombs, which can explode in poor peoples' kitchens anytime, killing us and destroying our homes," said another protester, Rosa Daeng Baji.

The canisters, they said, were cost-efficient compared to using kerosene, but the risk of explosion has made them afraid.

"The canister is cheaper than kerosene and practical. But if it is at risk of exploding, we don't want to use it and lose our houses," said 32-year-old housewife Darma.

They also called on the government to improve the quality of the gas canisters and their accessories as well as strictly monitor its trade to put an end to the explosions.

In the protest, the housewives also raised their objections to the skyrocketing prices of staple foods. They urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his Cabinet to directly inspect the markets to see the situation and control the rising prices.

"Let's not only ask the people to tighten up our budget, but the officials too. They should stop purchasing luxury cars and traveling abroad. Use the money to help the poor," Asni said.