Makassar veterans protest eviction

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Dozens of retired servicemen evicted from their housing complex in Tello Baru, Makassar, staged a demonstration at the South Sulawesi Legislative Council on Monday.

The veterans representing 52 families sought the attention and protection of the council after having been evicted by the Makassar city administration on May 19, 2003.

The eviction has forced the former independence fighters to stay in makeshift tents and under old cars on the banks of the Pampang River.

A non-governmental organization, Indonesian Children's Voice (Suara Anak Nusantara), condemned the repression and intimidation of the veterans, which it blamed on police officers and hoodlums.

The protesters, who had previously marched to the city council and the office of South Sulawesi Governor Amin Syam, vowed not to leave the provincial legislative building until their demand was fulfilled. --Antara