Mega supporters to commemorate July 27 tragedy

JAKARTA (JP): Supporters of Megawati Soekarnoputri will commemorate the first anniversary of the July 27 riot despite the government's apparent objection.

They said yesterday the commemoration would include a group prayer Saturday night at the deposed Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) leader's residence and wreath laying at the party's headquarters Sunday morning.

"They (Megawati's supporters) will commemorate the July 27 incident on their own initiative," said Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno, a PDI legislator and Megawati loyalist.

On July 27 last year, Jakarta was shaken by a major riot that was triggered by the brutal takeover of the PDI headquarters in Central Jakarta by supporters of Soerjadi, who had ousted Megawati as the party's leader in a government-sanctioned rebel PDI congress in June.

The takeover and subsequent riot left five people dead, 149 injured and 23 missing, according to the National Commission on Human Rights which independently investigated the tragedy.

Several buildings near the headquarters were burned down by angry mobs and vehicles were damaged. The violent takeover has been met with strong reactions at home and abroad.

More than 120 Megawati supporters who tried to defend the headquarters during the takeover have been prosecuted on charges of ignoring a police order to disperse. None of the attackers have been tried despite demands by Megawati loyalists.

Forty-nine people who attacked the office are suing Soerjadi for allegedly breaking his promise to pay them Rp 200 million (US$80,000) for their part in the takeover.

The authorities have not openly banned the planned commemoration but have stressed that Megawati should gain a permit to hold the gatherings.

City Police spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang said yesterday that the police headquarters had not received any requests by organizers wishing to hold the commemoration.

"In general, we will consider any application for a permit," he said.

Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. said Tuesday that the government would let the activities go ahead if they were held as a private party, but that Megawati should gain a permit if it would involve "many" people.

Soetardjo said a ceremony was needed to commemorate the tragedy otherwise people would do their own things which could spark unrest.

He said that many PDI members and supporters were expected to join the prayers at Megawati's residence in Kebagusan subdistrict in South Jakarta.

The wreath-laying ceremony at the unused PDI headquarters on Jl. Diponegoro will be led by Jazuli, a retired police Major who is loyal to Megawati's cause.

Soetardjo said police assistance had been sought to help safeguard the ceremonies although organizers had not applied for a meeting permit. He said the ceremonies would be purely "religious and peaceful".

"We'll not invite anybody, but visitors and participants will be welcome," he said. "There will be no political statements. The event will be purely a ritual," he added.

He said organizers had sent a letter yesterday to the City Police as notification of the ceremonies. (imn/cst)