Minister warns of plot against government

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.