Activists told to leave Yogyakarta

Activists told to leave Yogyakarta

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Bambang Triantoro, the former Army general behind the July 1 petition criticizing the government, and Guruh Soekarnoputra, the younger brother of PDI chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, were ordered to leave the city by the military yesterday and barred from addressing their supporters.

Bambang and Guruh were allowed to visit the cemetery of Gen. Soedirman and pay homage to the national hero, who is regarded as the "father of the Indonesian National Army". They also visited the widow of Soedirman.

Friends said Bambang and Guruh headed for Surakarta rather than risk a confrontation with the military, which had been shadowing their activities since their arrival in the morning.

News about their intention to pay respects at Soedirman's tomb spread across town so quickly that thousands of people had already gathered at the local headquarters of the PDI as well as the airport when they arrived.

Bambang, who once served as the Armed Forces chief of sociopolitical affairs, led dozens of prominent statesmen in the signing of the petition expressing concern with what they called increasing political violence and repression of democracy.

Guruh is a member of the House of Representatives for the PDI faction and a son of former president Sukarno.

Another PDI legislator, Subagio Anam, took part in the Yogyakarta visit yesterday.

There was a brief moment of tension between Bambang and the troopers when a security officer asked the visitors from Jakarta to leave town for fear that their presence would create a stir.

Bambang responded: "Me and these colleagues are true nationalists. We are not rebelling against the nation and the government. So please respect my rights, and let me and my colleagues go where we please."

They agreed to the military's request not to address the crowd but proceeded with their plan to visit the widow of the late Soedirman and the cemetery where he is buried.

They were accompanied by dozens of PDI supporters.

Bambang said the visit to the cemetery was to pay respects to the man who fought to the end and sacrificed his life to defend Indonesia's independence.

Soedirman led the armed struggle against the mighty Dutch military in the late 1940s. Although he was bed-ridden with tuberculosis, he still commanded the guerrilla war when the young republic leaders, including Sukarno, were captured by the Dutch in 1948. He never recovered from his illness and died in 1950.

"Pak (father) Soedirman was a model citizen that we should all emulate," Bambang said. "He was a democrat, wise and was truly dedicated to the people and the country."

Guruh said the visit to the cemetery was to reflect and remember the struggles of the late Soedirman. "His attitude is something that every Indonesian should emulate, particularly PDI members who are now facing a trying time because of the intervention by a third party in the party's affairs."

Guruh reiterated his support for his sister Megawati, whose leadership of the party has not been recognized by the government since a congress held by party rebels elected Soerjadi as chairman.

"I support Megawati and will continue to fight for justice and truth. She has the support of the people of Indonesia who are craving democracy," he said. (har)