Tension reigns over Jakarta's Monas Square

Tension reigns over Jakarta's Monas Square

JAKARTA (JP): The atmosphere at the National Monument (Monas)
Square and its vast surrounding area in the heart of the capital
was unusually tense yesterday, resembling an eerily quiet combat
zone instead of a popular hangout location.

Heavily armed military personnel used tanks, armored vehicles
and barbed wire to seal off almost all streets, as well as minor
and major thoroughfares, heading to the square, scheduled to host
a massive antigovernment demonstration led by leading opposition
figure Amien Rais on the anniversary of National Awakening Day.

Amien called off the demonstration at the eleventh hour
yesterday due to fears of violence.

Most of the troops -- some with fearsome combat designs
painted on their faces and wearing bulletproof jackets -- were
from the Jakarta Military Command, Marine Corps, Air Force
Special Squad and Kopassus, the Army's special force.

Most were concentrated on the streets surrounding the square,
which is adjacent to important state buildings, including the
Bina Graha presidential office, State Palace, Radio Republik
Indonesia headquarters and several ministry offices.

At least 10 armored vehicles and light tanks were seen on Jl.
Kebon Sirih and Jl. Ridwan Rais, and dozens of others were put on
alert at a number of locations including Jl. Pejambon, Jl.
Juanda, Jl. Sudirman, Jl. Thamrin and streets around Monas.

Even journalists were barred from entering the area.

"Can't you read the sign?" soldiers barked, pointing at a
"restricted area" sign put up on the barricade.

Tight security was also apparent near President Soeharto's
residence in the nearby posh Menteng area.

"I do not know anything about politics. I just hope the
situation will soon return to normal," a Chinese-Indonesian woman
told The Jakarta Post at Sari Pacific Hotel on Jl. Thamrin.

Few vehicles passed through the city yesterday, as most
Jakarta residents were alerted to the possibility of the rally in
recent media reports.

Hundreds of state and private employees who tried to pass
through the area on foot were prohibited entry by the troops.

"What are we supposed to do then? There are no buses,"
complained female employee Indah Susanti.

A group of teenagers took advantage of deserted Jl. Thamrin,
usually one of the city's busiest streets, to convert a portion
into a makeshift soccer fields. Others roughoused or lounged
under the Monas park's canopy of trees.

The troops did relent, however, to allow several street food
vendors into the restricted zone.

"Well, we need them to provide some food ... if not, we will
be left hungry and thirsty here," said one of the soldiers.

Busy Gambir railway station in Monas' immediate area, which
closed Tuesday, was still sealed off until late afternoon
yesterday.

All trains heading to and from the city stopped instead at the
Manggarai station.

"So far we had not received any complaint," said Zainal
Abidin, spokesman for state railway company Perumka.

Several streets were reopened in stages in the evening.

Almost all flag-raising ceremonies for National Awakening Day
scheduled for the morning at state offices, including the State
Palace, were canceled after only a few officers showed up.

At the City Municipal Office, two staff members brought lunch
boxes for their superiors, including Governor Sutiyoso. They said
their supervisors had instructed them to buy the meals from
street vendors because nearly all public restaurants were closed.

Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin
expressed gratitude over Amien's decision.

"I appreciate the awareness of the people and public leaders
for giving us chances to secure the capital," said Sjafrie, who
is also chief commander of Operational Forces for the capital.

He apologized to the public for the inconveniences of the
street blockades and hoped people would understand why the action
was taken.

Following a meeting with President Soeharto in the afternoon,
Sjafrie said employees of offices in the restricted zone, state
officials, members of the diplomatic corps and residents of the
area were permitted to pass through.

"Jusk ask the officers on guard," he said.

A few minor arson incidents were also recorded yesterday in
Pluit, Bekasi, Kebayoran Baru and Tangerang, police said.

City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said mobs set
ablaze at least one car in Pluit, North Jakarta, a shop/house in
Duta Plaza Complex near Taman Galaxy housing complex in Bekasi, a
restaurant and two shops in Kebayoran Baru and an automotive
spareparts shop in Tangerang.

"No fatalities have been reported so far," he said.

Despite the reports of unrest and prevailing tension, some
soldiers appeared to relax after they heard the demonstration was
canceled. Some napped under their vehicles or overpasses, or
rested on the sidewalk.

A contingent at Monas even put on an impromptu song-and-dance
performance lampooning the hardships of their job, including not
getting enough sleep or food.

They said they accepted it willingly for the sake of their
country and people.

Private Prajitno said: "It's better this way than being
stressed out." (cst/ivy/byg/edt/emf)