Minister warns of plot against government

Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono warned on Thursday of a move by certain groups to create martyrs among anti-price hike protesters, a turn of events that would then be used to justify attempts to bring down the government.

As usual Susilo did not identify the groups, but asserted that they intended to sacrifice students and other protesters for their own purposes.

"We've heard members of the political elite talk about a presidium to replace the current, legitimate government ... with these groups saying it (the presidium) would be set up once the protesters turn into martyrs," Susilo said after a meeting with ministers under his coordination.

The death of four Trisakti University students at the hands of security personnel in 1998 sparked violent demonstrations that ended up with the fall of president Soeharto.

Susilo praised the police for restraining themselves from using firearms in dealing with the protesters so that unnecessary victims could be avoided.

"But there are probably certain groups who have been preparing to spark chaos," Susilo said, citing intelligence reports provided to him.

It was the second warning issued by Susilo within one week. Previously he named radical right-wing groups, leftists and parts of past regime who suffered from post-power syndrome as those who might take the advantage of the antigovernment rallies to undermine the government.

Also present at the meeting were National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M. Hendropriyono, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, and National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar.

Street protests opposing the hikes in utilities charges have been occurring almost daily across the country since early January in the most serious public challenge to the 18-month administration of President Soekarnoputri.

Many protesters have called on Megawati and Vice President Hamzah Haz to resign, and urged the establishment of a presidium to replace her administration.

Late on Wednesday, the government announced before the House of Representatives the postponement of the planned increase to telephone charges, and a review of increases in fuel and electricity prices.

The results of the review and ensuing decisions will be jointly announced by Megawati and House Speaker Akbar Tandjung.

Susilo's statement was immediately condemned by government critic Eros Djarot of the Bung Karno Nationalist Party (PNBK), who said that it was the unpopular policies that would create martyrs rather than the government's political opponents.

"Please, tell Mas Bambang ... don't make us confused by claiming such a scenario. Just take a look at the dynamic political situation in the field to find out whether the government policies make sense," said Eros, also a former executive of Megawati's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle.

Roy Simanjuntak, chairman of the Forkot student group said that they would continue protesting against the government until it changed its unpopular policies, but underlined that the move was not intended to replace the government.

"I don't believe that replacing the current government will bring about any improvement," he said.