DPR protest cause Rp 2 billion damage

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)