Megawati to defy anniversary ban
Megawati to defy anniversary ban
JAKARTA (JP): A defiant Megawati Soekarnoputri pledged
yesterday to defy a police ban and continue with a planned second
anniversary commemoration of the bloody attack on her faction of
the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).
She condemned the ban as proof of the disparity between
regulations and the reality of their implementation.
"We are still trying to get the (police) permission (for the
commemoration) up until today. But, security officials may not
issue any," she told a seminar on rape victims.
"This is the real situation of our country's lamentable
system."
Citing the police's operational guidelines for issuance of
permits for public gatherings, she insisted the anniversary
committee did not actually need to obtain the police permit.
The organizer had written to the police to "notify" them about
the plan for the event, marking the forcible takeover of PDI
headquarters in Jakarta on July 27, 1996, and the rioting which
ensued. Five people died and 23 others are still classified as
missing.
It is expected to draw thousands of Megawati's supporters.
The 1995 police operational guidelines stipulate that any
meeting or congress, organized by individuals, groups or
political parties, need no police permit. The organizers are only
requested to inform the police about the agenda.
Megawati was ousted as PDI chairman and replaced by Soerjadi
in a government-backed congress in June 1996.
Roy B.B. Janis, a Megawati loyalist, also said the planned
commemoration would go ahead despite the police's rejection.
National Police chief Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi said Tuesday he
would not allow Megawati's supporters to hold the meeting on the
grounds her faction was not recognized by the government.
City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday the
Jakarta Police had officially turned down the "request" from the
Megawati-led PDI early this month.
"They submitted the 'request' dated June 30, and we replied
three days later we could not grant the permit."
Aritonang said the request was sent by Megawati's supporters,
calling themselves "PDI Perjuangan", and signed by coordinator
Jacob Nuwa Wea.
"They wanted to hold the commemoration at Senayan sports
complex, Central Jakarta. As stated in operational guidelines,
police have to give an answer within three days to grant or deny
permission.
"And city police decided to reject it. Why? Because we are
sticking to the legal principle, namely that the government only
recognizes the PDI led by Soerjadi, not Megawati," he told The
Jakarta Post.
"You have to understand one thing here. Such an event will
attract a mass movement. In this current situation, we think that
it would be wise not to stage such a huge gathering."
Judging from past experiences, he said, the formation of a
huge crowd would inevitably lead to disturbances.
"We have found indications that certain parties would take
advantage of the situation."
Asked about police reaction if the faction persisted in its
plan, Aritonang said: "Let's not jump to any conclusion here ...
but if they go on with the plan, they have to be ready for all
the consequences."
City police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman stood firm on
the ban when questioned Monday.
"We have rejected their request, therefore they must obtain a
permit from the National Police. If they fail to get one, they
are not supposed to go on with their plan." (imn/edt)