Media frustated with student security at the House

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)