Police call in top economist

JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Police summoned noted economist Sjahrir on Monday for questioning as a witness to the massive student rally in front of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) building on Nov. 14.

Although there was no clear explanation from the police about the questioning, city police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman told the media Sjahrir "attended the gathering and even gave a speech in front of the building's gate.

"So he must have known something behind the illegal gathering."

He insisted the questioning of Sjahrir was "part of the ongoing police investigation to uphold the newly issued regulation No. 9/1998 on the Freedom of Expression Law".

Under the hotly contested law, public protests are allowed only in the event of advance notification of the police.

"Those students did not report to the police, either through the Tanah Abang police subprecinct or city police. That is already a violation of the bill," Noegroho said.

Sjahrir was questioned for about four hours.

During the rally students had demanded the resignation of Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto for the shooting deaths of students and civilians near Atmajaya University the previous day.

Politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas also attended the rally and addressed the students. (emf)