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)