National Awakening Day rally canceled to avoid bloodshed

National Awakening Day rally canceled to avoid bloodshed

JAKARTA (JP): Leading opposition figure Amien Rais called off,
at the last minute, a massive anti-Soeharto rally planned for
yesterday around the National Monument (Monas), citing possible
bloodshed.

Amien said he traveled around Jakarta in the early hours and
saw barbed wire being set up, streets closed and thousands of
soldiers posted in strategic positions.

"The (security) made me think of a world war," he said. "In
such a situation, I'm afraid there would be people -- civilians
or military -- injured for nothing (and this) would only damage
our campaign for reform."

The rally was originally planned to start at 9 a.m. and
organized by KAMMI (Moslem Student Association Action Front)
which in the past had held rallies for reform involving thousands
of people.

KAMMI chairman Fachry Hamzah said the decision was also
prompted by news of death and injuries Tuesday in a violent
demonstration in Surabaya, East Java.

"That would be too high a price for our demand for reform and
succession," Amien said. The announcement itself was broadcast
via television and radio.

He said the planned rally was actually a mass prayer to mark
the "day of reform". The plan was apparently "taken so seriously
by the (military), who responded by establishing layers of
security barriers as if we're in a big war.

"By canceling the plan, it doesn't mean we're cowardly or
afraid," he said. "There was no pressure (on me to cancel the
plan) but it was because I considered the need to take one step
backward, in order to make two steps forward."

The cancellation was effectively spread not only because it
was broadcast but also along the Moslem student grapevines. Many
of those who had prepared to go, canceled their plans and called
on others to do the same.

Following President Soeharto's meeting Tuesday with nine
"community leaders" -- in which he made a number of concessions
including the plan for a fresh general election and that he would
not run again -- Amien said he would lead a massive demonstration
of "one million".

Amien said the planned rally was meant to bring home the
message to President Soeharto that he must step down, and that it
should be filled with istighfar, tasbih, tahmid, takbir and
tahlil -- Islamic terms meaning to ask Allah for forgiveness,
utter praises glorifying Him, and express gratitude to Him.

According to Amien Rais, Monas square is such a "wide and open
field that hopefully it will minimize the possibility of
violence".

The security forces reacted by deploying half of the city's
78,000 police and military personnel, according to Jakarta
Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who is also
commander of operational forces in the capital.

Another opposition leader, Emil Salim of Gema Madani (the Echo
of Civil Society), welcomed Amien's decision to call off the
rally in order to prevent unrest or chaos.

He said he understood the planned rally was only to
commemorate National Awakening Day which fell yesterday.

"But because of the current political tension, it would be too
risky and could create conflicts, so (Amien's decision) was
appropriate," Emil was quoted by Antara as saying.

Besides, campaigns for reform should be conducted through the
House of Representatives -- which was why thousands of students
maintained their vigil within the House compound and refused to
budge until their demands for reform were met.

"This is the best way," Emil said, praising Amien.

Jakartans reacted in different ways to the cancellation.

Soni, an employee of PT Federal Motor in Sunter, North
Jakarta, said: "I'm very disappointed that the peaceful rally was
canceled because of too many soldiers here. I have tried to enter
the Monas area but the troops did not allow me."

He said he had heard about the planned rally 15 days ago.

Heru, an employee of Plaza Indonesia shopping center, said the
complex had been closed since last week's rioting.

"I came here to join the rally. It's my way of showing support
for the students for reform," Heru, a resident of Bekasi, said.
The rally should not have been banned because it was meant only
as a mass prayer.

"I don't know why the government was afraid of the peaceful
rally."

Yuli, a student of Muhammadiyah University, arrived at Senen
in order to get to the square together with her four friends.

"I'm very disappointed. The troops were arrogant when they
asked us to leave," Yuli, a resident of Klender, East Jakarta,
said.

Yusron, a marine posted in Senen, said he had guarded the area
since Tuesday night. "I am glad nothing has happened," he said.
(bsr/jun/swe)