51.   Deputy East Nusa Tenggara police chief Col. Salikin said he was aware that many people complained about having difficulty obtaining basic commodities following the riot.

52.   Doubts have been raised as to whether genuine economic and political changes will take place, following bloody riots sparked by sharp increases in prices of basic commodities.

53.   Except for sugar, prices of the basic commodities in the regency remain high.

54.   Fuad also said that the government would continue to subsidize the imports of basic commodities, especially rice, and would accommodate the subsidy into the budget.

55.   Hamka also urged businessmen selling basic commodities to stay open, at least on a half-day basis, through the election.

56.   Hamid said his first priorities would be to establish a tax system and controls on prices of basic commodities, which are up to three times higher than normal.

57.   He conceded, however, that many people had become restless over the relentless increase of the prices of basic commodities.

58.   He noted that although the IMF had agreed on further subsidies for basic commodities, most would be eliminated in October.

59.   He said his office had assigned officers to monitor the supply of basic commodities at the markets and arrest any speculators.

60.   He said the budget will maintain the current subsidies for basic commodities and social services.