Students indicted for sowing hatred

JAKARTA (JP): Two students at a private university were indicted on Wednesday at the Central Jakarta District Court, accused of sowing public hatred against the government.

Haris Musi Akbar, 19, and Anom Winanto, 24, were charged under Article 154 of the Criminal Code which carries a maximum of seven years imprisonment.

The two students were arrested April 28 during the subversion trial of young activist Budiman Sudjatmiko, who was subsequently convicted for defaming the state ideology and sentenced to 13 years in jail.

Prosecutor Hasoloan Hutagaol said the two students shouted slogans such as calling for a boycott of the election and an end to the military's political role.

The defendants also distributed headbands to spectators in the court and encouraged people to yell along with them, Hutagaol said.

The trial was adjourned until next week. (12)