Nation braces for massive protests
Nation braces for massive protests
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
City police are tightening up security in the capital, especially
at 14 places that are likely to be targets of protesters out to
oppose a government plan to raise fuel prices on Oct. 1.
Besides securing the streets, police have also deployed several
officers to guard each of some 200 gas stations in the capital to
ensure that all of them serve motorists as usual.
City police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said Wednesday that
police have deployed around 5,500 personnel from various units,
including the antiriot unit, mobile brigade, intelligence and
detective units, at 14 strategic locations.
"Upon receiving intelligence reports we decided to focus on
these 14 places as we believe that most protesters will
concentrate at those places," he said.
The 14 places included the Presidential Palace in Central
Jakarta, which was guarded by some 1,200 personnel, and the House
of Representatives (DPR) building, which was secured
by 374 personnel.
State oil company Pertamina's station in Plumpang, North
Jakarta, an area near the Christian University of Indonesia (UKI)
in East Jakarta and the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central
Jakarta, were guarded by 440, 270 and 173 personnel respectively.
Other areas being given special security attention included
the Golkar Party's national headquarters in Slipi, West Jakarta;
the area near the Islamic State University (UIN) in Ciputat in
South Jakarta; Semanggi and the Istiqlal Mosque, both in Central
Jakarta; the Vice President's office and residence, both in
Central Jakarta; and Tugu Tani, Harmoni and Pecenongan, all in
Central Jakarta.
The House voted to raise fuel prices on Tuesday in order to
save the country's budget from blowing out. Vice President Jusuf
Kalla said earlier that prices of heavily-subsidized fuel would
increase by up to 80 percent.
The plan, which is expected to come into effect on Oct. 1, has
drawn strong opposition from students and labor activists.
Many student organizations and trade unions have warned that
they would stage massive protests.
The Mandiri Workers Union, for instance, has announced that
some 16,000 of its members would hold rally in front of the
Presidential Palace on Thursday. Student organizations are also
expected to join the group.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged those who oppose the
policy to stage peaceful rallies without disrupting the daily
activities of other people.
"We are not going to ban any protest rallies against the fuel
price hike since this is a democratic country. You are free to
voice your protests. But please do it peacefully, don't burn
anything," said Susilo during a gathering of university heads and
academicians including members of the Rector's Forum.
Susilo also urged protesters to clearly explain to the public
the reasons for their objection to the fuel price increases, as
well as providing reasonable solutions to address the problems.
"Please explain the objections clearly to the public in order
to provide good political education. Don't just provoke the
public with unreasonable solutions to the problem," said Susilo.
Meanwhile, Governor Sutiyoso said that his administration had
prepared around 400 buses and trucks to anticipate dysfunctions
in public transportation because of massive demonstrations.
"We have prepared our personnel and equipment for the worst
scenario if people from the public transportation sector stage a
rally and paralyze city's transportation," he said.