Banner defaming Soeharto removed

YOGYAKARTA, Central Java: The rector of Gadjah Mada University removed yesterday a giant banner containing students' remarks on the possible nomination of Amien Rais, the chairman of Muhammadiyah, for Indonesian presidency.

Rector Soekanto Reksohadiprojo said that many of the 237 remarks were considered defamatory of President Soeharto.

"The banner is considered an insult to the head of state. It would be much better to remove it than to be sued for denigrating the President," he told reporters.

Students raised the 100-meter long banner Tuesday at the social and political science faculty campus last week.

The banner was later given to Amien Rais as a souvenir. (23/09)