Presidential guard hit reporter

Presidential guard hit reporter

The Indonesian security can be unpleasant, as demonstrated in
an incident at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) compound
on Saturday involving a reporter and a member of the Presidential
Security Detail (Paspampres).

Radio station 68H reporter Rizky Hasibuan was walking through
a detector gate when the alarm sounded, alerting the guards.

Rizky, who was assigned to cover a plenary session attended by
President Megawati Soekarnoputri, was carrying a metal chain to
fasten his wallet to his pants. After a thorough check, the
guards let him pass.

He told the guards not to suspect him, but one of them kicked
his leg and hit the back of his head, all the while verbally
abusing him.

Reporters who witnessed the incident lodged a protest with
Paspampres for the excessive reaction.

Chief Private Andi Soekarno, who spoke on behalf of the angry
guards, asked to be forgiven, saying: "We are all tired". --JP