Police 'not told of any street rallies'
JAKARTA (JP): National Police chief Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi said on Thursday that police had not been informed of any street rallies planned for the days immediately following the Idul Fitri holiday.
"No, I have not received any reports," he said in a media conference called to discuss the latest developments in clashes which erupted in the Maluku provincial capital of Ambon on Tuesday.
Under Article 11 of the Law on Freedom of Expression, groups planning to stage demonstrations involving more than 100 people must inform the police of their intentions.
It has been widely rumored that a number of antigovernment groups are planning to stage a massive rally on Jan. 27, one day before the House of Representatives is due to pass three political bills paving the way for a general election in June.
Factions in the House have been deadlocked over several critical issues contained in the bills, leading to fears that the planned election could be delayed. Among contentious issues still to be resolved by the House are the future political role of civil servants, the number of unelected seats in the House allocated to the Armed Forces (ABRI), and the composition of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).
Student groups united under the Committee of United Students (KMB) have vowed to resume rallies after the Idul Fitri holiday to ensure the government honors its promise to hold a free, fair and democratic poll in June.
Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djadja Suparman warned on Tuesday that the security forces would take stern action against any attempt to disrupt the general election and the subsequent general session of the People's Consultative Assembly.
Djadja, who was speaking after performing an Idul Fitri prayer with his subordinates at the command's East Jakarta headquarters on Tuesday, reiterated that he did not disapprove of differences in opinion, but said it would not be tolerated if it brought people into physical conflict.
"If the differences in opinion remain in our thoughts, that's rightful in a democratic country. But if it leads to clashes we will uphold the law," he said, adding that the military would support police efforts to maintain law and order.
He also said the security forces would receive support from community groups who strongly oppose the use of coercion as a means to fulfill one's aspiration.
He said the citizens of Greater Jakarta should join hands to stave off threats to security.
"We need to unite. We are facing tough times in our political, economic, social and culture life...and the hardest challenges will stem from issues arising through the current political developments, which will affect the lives of the entire nation," the two-star general said.
"Let's think clearly and count the disadvantages of coercion because most people long for a peaceful life. If there are differences in vision or perception, please express them democratically and within the law," Djadja said. (ivy)