Legislator Aryoso called a traitor

Legislator Amin Aryoso of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has been labeled "a traitor" after refusing a request from students to greet the protesters outside the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) building on Tuesday.

Upon hearing Aryoso's refusal, the protesters yelled: "Traitor...traitor".

About 15 students, on behalf of nearly 10,000 protesters, demanded legislators to show their commitment to finish the constitutional reforms before the protesters.

Several legislators, including Fahmi Idris, Theo L. Sambuaga, Andi Mattalata, Jakob Tobing, Oesman Sapta, Asnawi Latief, Zein Badjeber, Harun Kamil, Patrialis Akbar, and Ali Masykur Musa, gave in to the demand and went outside to greet the protesters.

Only Aryoso refused to meet the students.

Aryoso, along with dozens of PDI Perjuangan legislators, is known for his opposition to the constitutional amendments.

He ignored the yelling students, grabbed his lunch box and slipped away from the scene. -- JP