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)