PDI-P leader threatens press, students

PDI-P leader threatens press, students

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A senior member of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) warned student protesters as well as a
Jakarta-based newspaper not to criticize his party.

Jacob Nuwa Wea, who is also the country's manpower and
transmigration minister, said that Rakyat Merdeka (Free People)
newspaper and the students had been criticizing the party "too
much".

"Rakyat Merdeka, I warn you not to write (articles) that abuse
PDI Perjuangan. If they insist on insulting PDI Perjuangan
leaders, they will have to 'face' thousands of PDI Perjuangan
supporters," he told a large group of PDI Perjuangan supporters
during a party gathering in Central Jakarta on Sunday.

Jacob also threatened the freedom of expression of the
students who have demanded that President Megawati Soekarnoputri,
the party's leader, step down.

"Some of them have stepped on her pictures. They've gone too
far. If they keep on doing it, they will have to 'face' PDI
Perjuangan supporters. I warn you, students, don't repeat your
actions," he said.

Two editors of Rakyat Merdeka have been summoned by the police
for their article, which allegedly insults the president.

The newspapers offers tabloid-style journalism. Its articles
and caricatures often criticize politicians from a variety of
parties.

Under Megawati's administration, at least five students have
been jailed on charges of defaming the president by stepping on
her "pretty" picture or painting an X over presidential photos.

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, President Megawati described anti-
government rallies as "interesting scenery", but underlined that
the government would be firm in dealing with destructive
demonstrations.

"Most of the rallies in the capital are held in front of the
presidential palace, and I find them very interesting. It's fine
for me as long as they proceed peacefully," Megawati told a
gathering of Indonesian nationals on Sunday evening.

"However, should they disturb public order and security, I
have ordered the police to take them to the police station and
question them," the president remarked.

She underlined that rallies were a part of the democratic
process, but they should not threaten security, as the Indonesian
people must learn to deal with things in an orderly fashion.

"Security is one of my main considerations and as citizens,
everybody has the obligation to maintain peace," she remarked.

Kusnanto Anggoro, a political analyst from the Centre for
Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), criticized both,
especially Jacob who maintained a physical threat against the
press even while legal proceedings were still underway.

"As a minister, I think Jacob Nuwa Wea should set a good
example for the people, not threatening the press with the masses
(party supporters). It is an out-of-date way of doing things,"
Kusnanto told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.

He advised PDI Perjuangan and Jacob to use the proper channels
in responding to a media report, such as using their right to
rebut, reporting the media to the Press Council, or taking legal
action.

Meanwhile, Haris Rusli, chairman of the Democratic People's
Party (PRD) -- which often sends its supporters to the streets
demanding Megawati to step down -- was unruffled by Jacob's
threat.

Instead, he said such a threat could even strengthen the
efforts of anti-government leaders grouped in the National
Coalition to unseat Megawati.

PRD is one of around 50 members that make up the National
Coalition.

"The students and anti-Mega groups will continue to up the
pressure through various means, including demonstrations. We do
not take the threat seriously. Our movement emerged as a response
to her bad government," he said.