JAKARTA: Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is paying the price for raising the country's domestic fuel prices. His popular ratings have plunged to their lowest since he took office in 2004.

In a survey released by Indo Barometer, only 20.7 per cent of respondents said they would choose President Yudhoyono if the presidential election was held today.

Meanwhile, former president Megawati Sukarnoputri pulled a higher margin at 30.4 per cent.

The survey was conducted 10 days after the Yudhoyono administration raised domestic fuel prices by an average of 30 per cent last month.

A spokesman for President Yudhoyono said the Indonesian leader was prepared to lose his popularity as a result of the measure as the increase was necessary to save the country's economy.

Indonesia is set to hold its presidential election in the second half of next year, following parliamentary elections in April. - CNA/vm