Media frustated with student security at the House<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Euphoric over their growing clout since
\npresident Soeharto's resignation, protesting students occupying
\nthe House of Representatives complex have started lording it over
\nthe media, according to local and foreign journalists.<\/p>\n
The students imposed tight security measures over whoever
\nentered the building, to the point of being excessive, some
\njournalists said.<\/p>\n
And students were seen checking credentials at the main
\nentrance as well as various spots inside the complex, Antara news
\nagency reported. They could now demand that reporters produce
\nidentification and even search their bags.<\/p>\n
\"This is for the sake of security,\" one student said while
\nsearching a journalist's bag and checking credentials.<\/p>\n
Journalists were sometimes forced to find alternative access
\nas students sealed off a number of areas, citing possible
\ninfiltration by certain parties.<\/p>\n
\"We enter the building with official identification but the
\nstudents still treat us improperly,\" one journalists said.<\/p>\n
Students beefed up security following rumors that a Golkar-
\naffiliated youth organization Pemuda Pancasila was going to
\nattack them Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Students were seen carrying wooden sticks, setting up
\nbarricades and sealing off elevators.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of students stood guard, checking on cars and
\npassersby, both at the building's front and back entrances on Jl.
\nGatot Soebroto and Jl. Gelora respectively.<\/p>\n
A number of prominent public figures including Emil Salim and
\nformer governor Ali Sadikin who came to the House Thursday to
\nmeet the press were tightly guarded by students.<\/p>\n
Students even took the public figures to a room inside the
\nbuilding and kept them inside for several minutes before allowing
\nthem to meet journalists.<\/p>\n
Some journalists also complained about the \"arrogance\" of the
\nstudents when approached for interviews. (byg)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/media-frustated-with-student-security-at-the-house-1447893297",
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