State security bill faces tough protest

JAKARTA (JP): Security authorities are cracking down on widespread street protests against the state security bill, which is expected to be approved by the House of Representatives (DPR) early next week.

After clashes between security personnel and student protesters erupted in different areas of the capital on Tuesday, military and police personnel detained at least 19 protesters, including senior journalist Goenawan Muhamad, on Wednesday.

After a half-hour of questioning at Jakarta Police Headquarters, police officers apparently realized that the former chief editor of Tempo newsweekly was in their custody.

Under the escort of two officers, Goenawan was taken to the office of Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman before being released about 30 minutes later.

The 18 arrested students, mainly members of the Indonesian Muslim Students Association (HMI), remained in custody until the late afternoon.

Goenawan said he was driving his car past the office of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) in Pejompongan, about 100 meters from the House, when he was "called by friends to give a speech".

"So, I gave the speech. Suddenly, police came along and arrested me. I said 'fine, arrest me',".

He said he participated in the protest because he opposed the draft bill.

Over 100 protesters, mostly from HMI, were headed to the House to air their demands when riot troops and military police officers blocked their way in front of the BPK.

Protesters have denounced the bill as draconic and a violation of human rights and freedom of speech.

They are concerned enactment of the bill will provide legal leeway for the Indonesian Military to clamp down on the press and stifle reform.

Some say the bill was contrived to maintain the military's influence in sociopolitical matters.

Violence broke out on Wednesday after a protester lobbed a Molotov cocktail at security personnel.

Troops responded by chasing the protesters, with at least one student kicked and beaten.

Demands to stop the military sponsored bill were also aired by students and legislators in other cities around the country.

In Semarang, about 100 law students of Diponegoro University urged legislators to reject the bill before the House ends its session next week.

Students decried the bill for investing the government and military with excessive powers.

"The planned bill is against every value of human rights and clearly against reform," group coordinator Asep Muhammad Ridwan said during his speech in front of the Central Java provincial legislature.

If the bill is endorsed, the military will have the justification to intimidate, torture, arrest and even kill."

In Yogyakarta, 32 out of 55 newly appointed legislators signed a petition rejecting the bill.

The councilors were from the National Mandate Party (PAN), the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the National Awakening Party (PKB) and Golkar Party.

Legislators from the military faction abstained. There was no explanation on the failure of the 23 other councilors to attend.

"Our stand on this matter is very clear. We reject the bill because it certainly jeopardize human rights," said Immawan Wahyudi of PAN.

The completed petition was faxed to the DPR.

The bill stipulates the presidential authority to declare a state of emergency in troubled territories. The president also is allowed to delegate authority to the military, which is given virtual free rein to handle threats to state security.

It allows the military to carry out investigations and raids, and take over all mail, telecommunications and electronic facilities. An emergency also allows a ban or limitation on demonstrations and public exposure through print and electronic media.

In the event of a state of emergency, the bill states that the military chief would be permitted to resort to any measures, such as barring demonstrations, which violated existing laws.

The military would have the full authority to bar individuals from entering or leaving the country, isolate designated "troublesome individuals and areas" and set curfews. (ylt/asa/bsr/har/swa/edt/03)