DPR protest cause Rp 2 billion damage

JAKARTA (JP): The chaotic but successful five-day student demonstration at the House of Representatives last week left a trail of structural damage worth about Rp 2 billion (US$167,000), officials said yesterday.

But they blamed outsiders seeking personal gain, rather than the proreform students.

"We are sure irresponsible individuals infiltrated the students," Deputy House Speaker Abdul Gafur said after touring the complex with House Secretary-General Afif Ma'roef.

An estimated 5,000 students from various provinces began their rally at the House on May 18. Their number swelled until the military forcibly dispersed them early Saturday, two days after Soeharto's fall from grace.

According to the official list, the main entrance gate, a primary marble stairway, a VIP toilet for the president and vice president and glass walls near the information desk were badly damaged. Filing cabinets, an automatic door and an emergency exit door were damaged and documents on the history of Indonesian parliament to be transferred to the Indonesian Archive Center were burned.

Workers from the Jakarta Sanitation Agency have, since Saturday, removed mountains of garbage, erased antigovernment graffiti, and taken off stickers and posters hung all over the place.

The fountain, which demonstrators turned into a mini swimming pool was cleaned and its water replaced, Antara reported.

House employees returned to work yesterday but few House members were seen back at work. The Risanti cafeteria, which is reported to have lost equipment and Rp 1 million in cash during the student occupation of the House, remained closed.

Although activities have returned to normal, the complex is still under tight guard. Troops and security guards checked all visitors' identification at the entrance and exit gates to the compound.

Security personnel were seen inside the buildings and armored vehicles, tanks and military trucks were parked at strategic points. (pan)