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