More antisecurity bill protests hit Jakarta
More antisecurity bill protests hit Jakarta
JAKARTA (JP): Protests against the state security bill
intensified on Friday with a mass rally involving some 2,000
students from various groups and universities.
Occurring a few meters away from the House of Representatives
(DPR) compound, the protest against the bill, which is likely to
be endorsed by House members on Thursday next week, was marred by
a clash between troops and protesters.
Three security officers and a student from the police-run
Bhayangkara University suffered minor injuries during the clash,
which was ignited after the protesters began throwing stones at
the troops.
Since the beginning of last week, Jakartans and residents of
other big cities across the country have witnessed a series of
street rallies protesting the bill.
The protesters, mostly from student organizations, have
demanded the military-sponsored bill be dropped before the
current House members end their tenure next Friday.
The demonstrators say if the bill is not stopped the military
will have sweeping powers to intimidate, torture, arrest and even
kill civilians.
Protesters have also decried the bill for investing the
government and the military with excessive powers.
Except for an incident which took place on Wednesday when
troops kicked and beat protesters, no serious clashes have
occurred at the demonstrations.
Demonstrators at Friday's rally included members of City Forum
(Forkot), the Alliance of People and Students, Trisakti Students
Unity Action, the Unity Forum and the Students Action for
Democracy Forum. University students in attendance hailed from
Bhayangkara University (Untag), the 17 Agustus 1945 University,
State Veteran Development University and the University of
Indonesian Administration Foundation (YAI).
A tight security cordon of some 500 riot officers prevented
any of the protesters from reaching the DPR gate.
As in the previous days, the protesters were blocked by troops
under the Senayan flyover.
Prior to their arrival at the site, the students -- riding in
different convoys -- apparently succeeded in keeping security
troops across the capital busy by driving around in minibuses
before making their way to the House compound.
Several members of Forkot were seen carrying iron and wooden
sticks, of which the tips had been sharpened.
Untag students were behind the organization of Friday's noisy
rally.
Driving in two public minibuses from their North Jakarta
campus, 60 Untag students arrived at 2 p.m. at the scene, which
was already fully blockaded by troops.
During the rally, the students also called for the trial of
former president Soeharto.
About 45 minutes later, some 40 YAI students arrived, raising
tensions between the security officers and the protesters.
While the security personnel were kept busy with the arrival
of the YAI students, approximately 70 students took the
opportunity to reach the DPR compound, but were hastily blocked
at the gate.
Two representatives were successful in meeting with a DPR
spokesperson to air their demands, which concerned the Lippogate
scandal.
Despite the swelling numbers of demonstrators, the only
incident occurred at about 6 p.m. when students began pelting
stones at officers as the protesters were preparing to leave the
area.
In a related development, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso called on
the public not to join the rallies in order to let House members
"perform their duties".
The state security bill stipulates the authority of the
President to declare a state of emergency in troubled
territories.
It allows the military to carry out investigations and raids,
and take over all mail, telecommunications and electronic
facilities. An emergency also allows a ban or limitation on
demonstrations and public exposure through print and electronic
media.
In the event of a state of emergency, the bill states that the
military chief would have sweeping powers, such as barring
demonstrations, a move which would contradict existing laws.
(04/03/ylt/asa/jun)