Activists set up posts to help riot victims

JAKARTA (JP): Human rights activists, namely Volunteers for Humanity, have set up monitoring posts at a number of strategic city locations to help riot related victims.

In a statement signed by priest Sandyawan Sumardi here yesterday, the posts will provide medical support, food, legal counseling and up-to-date information on the latest situation.

The group said that up-to-date information would be crucial to fend off unsubstantiated rumors of further unrest which has been terrorizing Jakartans.

The posts will be set up in front of the St. Carolus Hospital, Nahdlatul Ulama Moslem organization's office in Central Jakarta and near Plaza Jatinegara in East Jakarta.

Sandyawan also said that victims of violence could report to his Jakarta Social Institute, the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute, or the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association.

The group called on other non-governmental organizations, religious leaders, students and professionals to immediately join in by providing staff and other necessary resources.

Jakarta was torn by widespread riots and looting Thursday following the death of at least four students during a clash between protesters and security forces at the private Trisakti University on Tuesday.

Mobs burned hundreds of cars and motorcycles and ransacked thousands of shops in the city's five mayoralties.

The riots and lootings in the city left hundreds dead, mostly looters trapped inside burning shopping centers.

The government said yesterday the riots caused at least Rp 2.5 trillion in material losses and damaged 5,000 buildings.

Thousands of ethnic Chinese Indonesians, expatriates and diplomats have fled the country due to the violence. (byg)