Student protesters raided by city police

JAKARTA: Six student protesters were in police detention after police cracked down on an anti-government demonstration involving about 60 students overnight Tuesday.

The Jaringan Kota (Jarkot) protectors had been protesting outside the House of Representatives building against the government's controversial policies, including the recent utility price increases and the privatization program.

Jarkot spokesman Rey Christian said the police arrested them and took them to Jakarta Police Headquarters in South Jakarta. Most of the students were interrogated and released at 4 a.m. Wednesday.

City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo confirmed the six protesters were charged with violating Article 218 of the Criminal Code on forming a crowd in a public area and disobeying the authority's order to disperse. The article carries a maximum sentence of 18 weeks in jail.--JP