Bogor students plan new rally

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)