Students stage protests over Buloggate II

Students stage protests over Buloggate II

Rendi A. Witular and A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Some 3,000 students from various universities staged a protest
rally demanding the formation of a special House of
Representatives inquiry into the alleged misuse of State
Logistics Agency (Bulog) funds, in which House Speaker Akbar
Tandjung is implicated.

They also demanded Akbar resign from his post and remain under
detention. Their other demand was the dissolution of the Golkar
party, which is under Akbar's leadership.

The students comprised the Student Executive Boards (BEM) from
around Indonesia, the Association of Islamic Students (HMI) and
the Indonesian Muslim Students Action Front (KAMMI), and were
supported by the Democratic People's Party (PRD) and the labor
association of PT. Indah Sutera Utama.

Wisnu Sunandar of the University of Indonesia BEM said the
students pledged to keep on staging massive protests throughout
the country, beginning on Tuesday, and appealed to the public not
to trust either the government or the legislature.

"Their failure to establish the special committee has proved
that reform is at a standstill. President Megawati Soekarnoputri
is involved in collusion with the Golkar Party in nurturing
corruption," he yelled in his speech.

"This rally is only an initial event to guide other students
in the country to oppose the government. We hope today's action
will lead to a more massive movement in support of the public
demand to eliminate corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN)."

Students began the rally at 8 a.m. from their gathering point
at Wisma Danamon Aetna on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta,
before marching to the House at Jl. Gatot Subroto, Central
Jakarta.

Upon their arrival at the House at around 10 a.m., they
encountered hundreds of Golkar supporters, who were also staging
a protest at the entrance to the House compound. The supporters
demanded that legislators not establish the special committee.

They came from Jakarta's outskirts, such as Tangerang, Bekasi
and even Banten and Lampung. Most of them wore black clothing,
unique costumes typical of Banten jawara (martial arts fighters).
Others wore the uniforms of paramilitary organizations under
Golkar, such as Pemuda Pancasila. Some even carried swords and
knives.

Security chief at the House Comr. Muchidin said two Golkar
supporters were detained at the city police headquarters for
possession of offensive weapons.

The police deployed 1,066 personnel from Mobile Brigade and
Sabhara (anti-riot unit) to secure the location.

The situation became tense after several Golkar supporters
yelled at students, spoiling for a fight. Violence failed to
materialize thanks to a heavy, one-hour shower.

After the rain, the students marched to the rear entrance of
the House, forcing their way inside.

However, the students failed to meet legislators as the latter
were still engrossed in their plenary session, discussing the
formation of the special committee. The session was delayed
several times.

At 2 p.m., a minor clash between students and the police
occurred. At least 15 students were struck by police armed with
rattan sticks, forcing them to retreat.

The students then shifted their target of protest to Merdeka
Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara, Central Jakarta, following
their accusation that Megawati had tried to save Akbar.

The protest ended at 5:30 p.m. after the students read out
their statement, even though they had been unable to meet the
President.