Groups plan anti-Sutiyoso protests

Groups plan anti-Sutiyoso protests

JAKARTA: With Governor Sutiyoso scheduled to present his
accountability statement on Thursday, activists from various
groups have announced plans to stage anti-Sutiyoso
demonstrations.

Hundreds of professionals will hold a protest at the Jakarta
Stock Exchange building at noon.

A coalition of 19 non-governmental organizations, dubbed the
Jakarta Residents' Coalition for Change, are due to stage a rally
earlier in the day, not only in rejection of the governor's
accountability statement but also to protest against his
nomination for a second term.

They are due to assemble at 10 a.m. at the Hotel Indonesia
traffic circle and then march to the City Council building on Jl.
Kebon Sirih and the presidential palace.

Among the NGOs are the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH),
Indonesian Corruption Watch, the Urban Poor Consortium and the
Indonesian Women's Coalition.

A week after listening to Sutiyoso account for his management
of the city, the councillors are required to give their response.
Sutiyoso will then have another chance to address the council
before it decides whether or not to accept the accountability
statement. If it is rejected, Sutiyoso will not be eligible to
run for a second term.--JP