National Awakening Day rally canceled to avoid bloodshed<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Leading opposition figure Amien Rais called off,
\nat the last minute, a massive anti-Soeharto rally planned for
\nyesterday around the National Monument (Monas), citing possible
\nbloodshed.<\/p>\n
Amien said he traveled around Jakarta in the early hours and
\nsaw barbed wire being set up, streets closed and thousands of
\nsoldiers posted in strategic positions.<\/p>\n
\"The (security) made me think of a world war,\" he said. \"In
\nsuch a situation, I'm afraid there would be people -- civilians
\nor military -- injured for nothing (and this) would only damage
\nour campaign for reform.\"<\/p>\n
The rally was originally planned to start at 9 a.m. and
\norganized by KAMMI (Moslem Student Association Action Front)
\nwhich in the past had held rallies for reform involving thousands
\nof people.<\/p>\n
KAMMI chairman Fachry Hamzah said the decision was also
\nprompted by news of death and injuries Tuesday in a violent
\ndemonstration in Surabaya, East Java.<\/p>\n
\"That would be too high a price for our demand for reform and
\nsuccession,\" Amien said. The announcement itself was broadcast
\nvia television and radio.<\/p>\n
He said the planned rally was actually a mass prayer to mark
\nthe \"day of reform\". The plan was apparently \"taken so seriously
\nby the (military), who responded by establishing layers of
\nsecurity barriers as if we're in a big war.<\/p>\n
\"By canceling the plan, it doesn't mean we're cowardly or
\nafraid,\" he said. \"There was no pressure (on me to cancel the
\nplan) but it was because I considered the need to take one step
\nbackward, in order to make two steps forward.\"<\/p>\n
The cancellation was effectively spread not only because it
\nwas broadcast but also along the Moslem student grapevines. Many
\nof those who had prepared to go, canceled their plans and called
\non others to do the same.<\/p>\n
Following President Soeharto's meeting Tuesday with nine
\n\"community leaders\" -- in which he made a number of concessions
\nincluding the plan for a fresh general election and that he would
\nnot run again -- Amien said he would lead a massive demonstration
\nof \"one million\".<\/p>\n
Amien said the planned rally was meant to bring home the
\nmessage to President Soeharto that he must step down, and that it
\nshould be filled with istighfar, tasbih, tahmid, takbir and
\ntahlil -- Islamic terms meaning to ask Allah for forgiveness,
\nutter praises glorifying Him, and express gratitude to Him.<\/p>\n
According to Amien Rais, Monas square is such a \"wide and open
\nfield that hopefully it will minimize the possibility of
\nviolence\".<\/p>\n
The security forces reacted by deploying half of the city's
\n78,000 police and military personnel, according to Jakarta
\nMilitary Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who is also
\ncommander of operational forces in the capital.<\/p>\n
Another opposition leader, Emil Salim of Gema Madani (the Echo
\nof Civil Society), welcomed Amien's decision to call off the
\nrally in order to prevent unrest or chaos.<\/p>\n
He said he understood the planned rally was only to
\ncommemorate National Awakening Day which fell yesterday.<\/p>\n
\"But because of the current political tension, it would be too
\nrisky and could create conflicts, so (Amien's decision) was
\nappropriate,\" Emil was quoted by Antara as saying.<\/p>\n
Besides, campaigns for reform should be conducted through the
\nHouse of Representatives -- which was why thousands of students
\nmaintained their vigil within the House compound and refused to
\nbudge until their demands for reform were met.<\/p>\n
\"This is the best way,\" Emil said, praising Amien.<\/p>\n
Jakartans reacted in different ways to the cancellation.<\/p>\n
Soni, an employee of PT Federal Motor in Sunter, North
\nJakarta, said: \"I'm very disappointed that the peaceful rally was
\ncanceled because of too many soldiers here. I have tried to enter
\nthe Monas area but the troops did not allow me.\"<\/p>\n
He said he had heard about the planned rally 15 days ago.<\/p>\n
Heru, an employee of Plaza Indonesia shopping center, said the
\ncomplex had been closed since last week's rioting.<\/p>\n
\"I came here to join the rally. It's my way of showing support
\nfor the students for reform,\" Heru, a resident of Bekasi, said.
\nThe rally should not have been banned because it was meant only
\nas a mass prayer.<\/p>\n
\"I don't know why the government was afraid of the peaceful
\nrally.\"<\/p>\n
Yuli, a student of Muhammadiyah University, arrived at Senen
\nin order to get to the square together with her four friends.<\/p>\n
\"I'm very disappointed. The troops were arrogant when they
\nasked us to leave,\" Yuli, a resident of Klender, East Jakarta,
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Yusron, a marine posted in Senen, said he had guarded the area
\nsince Tuesday night. \"I am glad nothing has happened,\" he said.
\n(bsr\/jun\/swe)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/national-awakening-day-rally-canceled-to-avoid-bloodshed-1447893297",
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