Police not opposed to student rallies

JAKARTA (JP): In principle, the city police do not oppose the students' plan to hold street rallies protesting against the government as long as the rallies are conducted according to existing regulations, an officer said on Monday.

City police spokesman Lt. Col. Edward Aritonang told reporters that police would help the students voice their protests and, if possible, clear streets of traffic if the students wished to hold convoys.

"Please let us know beforehand so that we can help secure the streets and keep public order," he said.

Aritonang said that according to newly enacted Law No. 9/1998 on Freedom of Expression, any group intending to stage a protest should notify local police three days prior to the rally.

Despite rumors of a massive street protest to be held on Thursday, no groups have notified police of any planned rallies.

"We have not received any notification from groups regarding planned protests although we've heard about some groups planning to hold massive rallies in the city," he said.

He therefore warned the public to be alert of the possibility of a massive street rally on Thursday.

"We can't stop people from holding rallies, but those who are not taking part in rallies should be able to prepare and protect themselves on the streets," he said.

Last year police recorded 434 street rallies held by student groups and 384 rallies by other groups, including nongovernmental organizations and labor organizations.

Out of these figures, the police only received prior notification for 36 of the protests. (emf)