Media frustated with student security at the House

JAKARTA (JP): Euphoric over their growing clout since president Soeharto's resignation, protesting students occupying the House of Representatives complex have started lording it over the media, according to local and foreign journalists.

The students imposed tight security measures over whoever entered the building, to the point of being excessive, some journalists said.

And students were seen checking credentials at the main entrance as well as various spots inside the complex, Antara news agency reported. They could now demand that reporters produce identification and even search their bags.

"This is for the sake of security," one student said while searching a journalist's bag and checking credentials.

Journalists were sometimes forced to find alternative access as students sealed off a number of areas, citing possible infiltration by certain parties.

"We enter the building with official identification but the students still treat us improperly," one journalists said.

Students beefed up security following rumors that a Golkar- affiliated youth organization Pemuda Pancasila was going to attack them Wednesday.

Students were seen carrying wooden sticks, setting up barricades and sealing off elevators.

Hundreds of students stood guard, checking on cars and passersby, both at the building's front and back entrances on Jl. Gatot Soebroto and Jl. Gelora respectively.

A number of prominent public figures including Emil Salim and former governor Ali Sadikin who came to the House Thursday to meet the press were tightly guarded by students.

Students even took the public figures to a room inside the building and kept them inside for several minutes before allowing them to meet journalists.

Some journalists also complained about the "arrogance" of the students when approached for interviews. (byg)