Habibie meets protests at home<\/p>\n
UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Demonstrations by activists
\nand local residents greeted President B.J. Habibie's visit to his
\nbirthplace and traditional political stronghold on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Civilian guards reportedly chased women activists after the
\nlatter, waving banners with antiviolence messages, broke through
\na police line on the provincial capital's main street of Jl.
\nSudirman.<\/p>\n
The street was part of the President's route to the governor's
\nofficial residence, where a traditional welcome ceremony was
\nheld.<\/p>\n
\"The way they dispersed us was absurd. It shows that many
\nstill do not appreciate differences of opinion,\" activist Zohra
\nAndi Baso told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Women activists demanded Habibie put former president Soeharto
\non trial for alleged wrongdoing, respect women's political rights
\nand stop all forms of violence.<\/p>\n
Student protests in several parts of the city also greeted
\nHabibie's arrival at 4:30 p.m. Prominent among them were rallies
\nby the Free Indonesia Forum and the Student Forum on Antinepotism
\nand Violence on the campus of Hasanuddin University.<\/p>\n
Also protesting was the Indonesian Law Students Association
\n(Ismahi) at the Indonesian Muslim University on Jl. Urip
\nSumohardjo. Local residents supported the protest.<\/p>\n
Students demanded that Habibie's administration continue
\nreform, end atrocities in Aceh and withdraw troops from the
\nprovince. They also called for the resignation of Indonesian
\nMilitary Commander Gen. Wiranto.<\/p>\n
Habibie will hold meetings with local leaders and officiate at
\nthe inauguration of several projects worth a total of Rp 770
\nbillion.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Antara reported that Habibie received a warm
\nwelcome in his hometown of Pare-Pare. (27\/30\/edt)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/habibie-meets-protests-at-home-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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