Bogor students plan new rally

JAKARTA (JP): Students in Bogor pledged to stage fresh rallies shortly after the Idul Fitri holiday, promising the rallies would not be marred by violence.

The statement was made by leaders of various student groups during a meeting on Saturday evening at the Al Falaq Islamic boarding school in Bogor, about 45 minutes from here, Antara reported.

According to the students, who have often staged rallies in the capital, they would voice their dissatisfaction through rallies which conformed to existing rules.

They would submit their demands through legal government channels and representatives of the people, they said.

On the other hand, they urged the local administration to respond wisely to the students' criticisms, not to react with violence.

"We vow to avoid violence and any actions that could inflict losses to the public during our rallies. But we also want the security forces to avoid violence."

"If we're faced with force, the result would be unpleasant and all parties would suffer losses," the students said in their statement.

The meeting was also attended by local officials, including local police chief Lt. Col. Edmon Ilyas and military commander Lt. Col. Suratno.

The officials appreciated the students' pledge and hoped that they upheld their promises in order to affirm the image of Bogor as a safe town. (ylt)