Suspects in attack on City Council held

JAKARTA (JP): Police have detained seven people in connection with Wednesday's mob attack on the City Council, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam said on Thursday.

"They have been placed in custody for their alleged involvement in the vandalism," Anton said.

He said the suspects would be charged with violating Article 406 of the Criminal Code on the destruction of objects, a crime which carries a maximum sentence of two years in jail and a maximum fine of Rp 4,500 (US 47 cents).

The suspects allegedly were among dozens of city contractors who went on a rampage after they were denied a meeting with City Council Speaker Edy Waluyo to discuss the registration process for project tenders.

At least eight people, most of them civil defense officers, were injured in the incident. The mob also broke a number of flower pots, pictures and windows on the ground floor of the council building.

Edy said material losses from the incident could reach hundreds of millions of rupiah.

"We call on people who wish to convey their wishes to avoid acts of anarchism. The council is an institution which channels the wishes of the people, but it is not the decision-maker," Edy said.

He added that he had asked the police to step up security at the council to prevent further attacks.

Edy did not appear at the City Council on Wednesday because he was chairing the first meeting of the Indonesian City Councillors Association, which ended on Thursday afternoon.

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) councillor Lambertus Gaina Dara joined the chorus of condemnation of the attack. He demanded those responsible issue a public apology for their show of contempt for the council.

"Even becak drivers can stage a civilized rally. How come they (city contractors), who claim to be well educated, resort to anarchy?" Lambertus asked, referring to the drivers of three- wheeled motorized vehicles who last year peacefully protested the governor's policy banning the vehicles in the city.

Lambertus said Jakartans should protect the City Council, which he called a public asset.

He also demanded the full weight of the law be brought to bear on those responsible, calling the attack a crime. (07/jun)