Aceh students protest ExxonMobil

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: A group 50 students staged a rally against ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia here on Wednesday, alleging the company had been facilitating the Indonesian Military (TNI) in serious human rights violations in the past decade.

Three students were questioned and then detained over the demonstration that was held at Simpang Lima traffic circle.

During the rally the students distributed pamphlets and unfurled banners which, among other things, read "Exxon dan TNI/POLRI musuh rakyat Aceh" or, "Exxon and the Military (are) the enemies of the Acehnese."

The students also called on the people to stop paying taxes as a form of protest.

Aceh Besar Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Sayed Hoesainy said that the three students had been arrested because they distributed pamphlets that provoked people to be disobedient and not pay taxes.

"If they are innocent they will be released soon," he added.(50/emf)