'SMP 56 dispute politicized'

The recent closing down of the SMP 56 senior high school by city public order officers elicited various reactions, but most people appeared to be against the officers actions. Suspicions of corruption in the land swap deal between the city administration and PT Tata Disantara, owned by former manpower minister Abdul Latief, has made students, parents and teachers determined to thwart the deal. The Jakarta Post talked to some people about the issue.

Slamet (not his real name), 41, is a former member of the House of Representatives. He lives in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta:

All I know about the recent dispute at SMP 56 is what I've seen and heard from media reports. Each newspaper that I read, however, carried its own version. My comments, therefore, may not be fair. So, I don't want to say much about the dispute.

I think each party involved in the issue should act in good faith to resolve the problem amicably. If they can't do that, the students of SMP 56 will be the main victims as they won't be able to study in peace.

Actually, I was invited by one of the parties to the dispute to visit the students (after they were forced to study on the sidewalk). I'm not prepared to get involved, however, as I simply don't want to be used by either of the disputing parties.

Since I have not enough information about the case, I can't comment further. I just hope the problem can be resolved as soon as possible.

Johan, 30, is a reporter with a radio station. He resides with his brother in Jatimulya, Bekasi:

SMP 56? Who is the man from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) that opened the gate? Permadi? That was a very belated move. Why did they (the PDI-P) not take action at the beginning? The plot to politicize the SMP 56 dispute is crystal clear. It must be seen in the context of the upcoming presidential election on July 5.

Aside from that, I'm just wondering why (Governor) Sutiyoso and (Jakarta Police chief) Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara seem so firm about handling the SMP 56 case. I'm sure it's because of intervention by Abdul Latief.

-- The Jakarta Post