More antisecurity bill protests hit Jakarta<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Protests against the state security bill
\nintensified on Friday with a mass rally involving some 2,000
\nstudents from various groups and universities.<\/p>\n
Occurring a few meters away from the House of Representatives
\n(DPR) compound, the protest against the bill, which is likely to
\nbe endorsed by House members on Thursday next week, was marred by
\na clash between troops and protesters.<\/p>\n
Three security officers and a student from the police-run
\nBhayangkara University suffered minor injuries during the clash,
\nwhich was ignited after the protesters began throwing stones at
\nthe troops.<\/p>\n
Since the beginning of last week, Jakartans and residents of
\nother big cities across the country have witnessed a series of
\nstreet rallies protesting the bill.<\/p>\n
The protesters, mostly from student organizations, have
\ndemanded the military-sponsored bill be dropped before the
\ncurrent House members end their tenure next Friday.<\/p>\n
The demonstrators say if the bill is not stopped the military
\nwill have sweeping powers to intimidate, torture, arrest and even
\nkill civilians.<\/p>\n
Protesters have also decried the bill for investing the
\ngovernment and the military with excessive powers.<\/p>\n
Except for an incident which took place on Wednesday when
\ntroops kicked and beat protesters, no serious clashes have
\noccurred at the demonstrations.<\/p>\n
Demonstrators at Friday's rally included members of City Forum
\n(Forkot), the Alliance of People and Students, Trisakti Students
\nUnity Action, the Unity Forum and the Students Action for
\nDemocracy Forum. University students in attendance hailed from
\nBhayangkara University (Untag), the 17 Agustus 1945 University,
\nState Veteran Development University and the University of
\nIndonesian Administration Foundation (YAI).<\/p>\n
A tight security cordon of some 500 riot officers prevented
\nany of the protesters from reaching the DPR gate.<\/p>\n
As in the previous days, the protesters were blocked by troops
\nunder the Senayan flyover.<\/p>\n
Prior to their arrival at the site, the students -- riding in
\ndifferent convoys -- apparently succeeded in keeping security
\ntroops across the capital busy by driving around in minibuses
\nbefore making their way to the House compound.<\/p>\n
Several members of Forkot were seen carrying iron and wooden
\nsticks, of which the tips had been sharpened.<\/p>\n
Untag students were behind the organization of Friday's noisy
\nrally.<\/p>\n
Driving in two public minibuses from their North Jakarta
\ncampus, 60 Untag students arrived at 2 p.m. at the scene, which
\nwas already fully blockaded by troops.<\/p>\n
During the rally, the students also called for the trial of
\nformer president Soeharto.<\/p>\n
About 45 minutes later, some 40 YAI students arrived, raising
\ntensions between the security officers and the protesters.<\/p>\n
While the security personnel were kept busy with the arrival
\nof the YAI students, approximately 70 students took the
\nopportunity to reach the DPR compound, but were hastily blocked
\nat the gate.<\/p>\n
Two representatives were successful in meeting with a DPR
\nspokesperson to air their demands, which concerned the Lippogate
\nscandal.<\/p>\n
Despite the swelling numbers of demonstrators, the only
\nincident occurred at about 6 p.m. when students began pelting
\nstones at officers as the protesters were preparing to leave the
\narea.<\/p>\n
In a related development, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso called on
\nthe public not to join the rallies in order to let House members
\n\"perform their duties\".<\/p>\n
The state security bill stipulates the authority of the
\nPresident to declare a state of emergency in troubled
\nterritories.<\/p>\n
It allows the military to carry out investigations and raids,
\nand take over all mail, telecommunications and electronic
\nfacilities. An emergency also allows a ban or limitation on
\ndemonstrations and public exposure through print and electronic
\nmedia.<\/p>\n
In the event of a state of emergency, the bill states that the
\nmilitary chief would have sweeping powers, such as barring
\ndemonstrations, a move which would contradict existing laws.
\n(04\/03\/ylt\/asa\/jun)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/more-antisecurity-bill-protests-hit-jakarta-1447893297",
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