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)