Activist reports death threats

JAKARTA: Education activist Lies Sugondo told the police on Tuesday she had received death threats over her cellular phone from an unidentified person.

She said the threats charged her with betraying efforts to save disputed SMP 56 junior high school in Melawai, South Jakarta, accusing her of encouraging students to enroll at other schools, as urged by the city administration.

"I have received dozens of SMS messages since June, so I changed my number. But on Sunday I received another threatening message," Lies said, adding that she also received threatening phone calls at her home.

Governor Sutiyoso filed a police complaint against teachers at SMP 56 Melawai who refused to stop teaching students. The city administration also warned that diplomas issued by the school would not be recognized.

"They say I am a traitor for not supporting SMP 56 Melawai," Lies said. -- JP