'SMP 56 dispute politicized'

'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