Activists claim intimidation

Activists claim intimidation

JAKARTA (JP): Activists of Urban Poor Consortium, a non-
governmental organization, yesterday claimed they had been
intimidated by a police officer and unidentified men for helping
pedicab drivers organize demonstrations to protest Sutiyoso's
ban.

Coordinator of the organization, Wardah Hafidz, told reporters
that two activists, Alex Yusutardi and Edi Saidi were intimidated
by a security officer and unidentified people a day after they
helped organize a protest by 150 becak drivers at City Hall last
week.

She said a police officer appeared at Alex's house in
Pademangan, North Jakarta, and two unidentified men went to Edi's
house in Jelambar, West Jakarta.

The activists were not at home and the men asked their
neighbors about the two's activities, she said.

As of yesterday, the authorities have transported 1,330
pedicabs back to their places of origin to beat the July 31
deadline for all the three-wheeled vehicles to leave the capital.
(ind)