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