Thousands throng police precinct to cheer Megawati

JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of Megawati Soekarnoputri's supporters thronged the South Jakarta Police Precinct yesterday to support the ousted leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) who was questioned over an allegedly illegal political meeting.

An estimated 5,000 Megawati loyalists, including 700 wearing T-shirts emblazoned with her picture, created traffic chaos around the precinct on Jl. Wijaya.

They cheered and shouted "Long live Mega" when Megawati got out of her dark red Pajero jeep about 100 meters before the police precinct and waded through the crowd.

They also unfurled banners and waved posters, all carrying slogans critical of the treatment Megawati has been receiving. "Don't sacrifice the nation's best daughter," said one poster.

Some of the loyalists also released balloons carrying pictures of Megawati.

Hundreds of riot police -- equipped with tear gas canons, rattan sticks and shields -- struggled to maintain order.

Yesterday was Megawati's second round of questioning over her faction's celebration of the party's 24th anniversary.

Megawati loyalist Haryanto Taslam organized the Jan. 10 meeting at the deposed leader's mansion in South Jakarta. He claimed it was a Ramadhan breaking-of-the-fast gathering. On the same day Megawati's rival, government-backed party chairman Soerjadi, led an officially recognized celebration in Sulawesi.

Police have named Haryanto as the suspect in the case.

Megawati's chief lawyer R.O. Tambunan later told the press he and the other lawyers would visit the Supreme Court next Tuesday to ascertain whether it was true the Court had ordered all courts to reject all the lawsuits Megawati's camp had filed.

"We must ask this because every lawsuit that PDI (under Megawati) filed ended up defeated in court. It is possible that the judges were instructed by their superiors (to defeat the lawsuits).

"If the law and justice are defeated by political interests, where can people go for justice then?" he asked.

Megawati was asked 18 questions during the hour-long procedure, according to Dwi Ria Latifah, a member of her legal team.

As she had done in the first round of questioning, Megawati insisted yesterday the celebration was one a party tradition that had not violated any laws.

"Bu Mega became upset when an officer repeatedly questioned her about police permission to hold the celebration," Ria said.

Megawati also protested the police summons which she believed had not been served properly. As a member of the House of Representatives, she should have received a letter of authorization for her interrogation signed by President Soeharto, rather than by Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono.

She also protested that Soerjadi's supporters had not been questioned despite their involvement in July 27 riot last year. Many of her supporters have stood trial and been punished.

South Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Sisno Adiwinoto told reporters after the questioning that it was possible Megawati could also become a suspect in the case.

Megawati is scheduled to appear for another round of questioning, Sisno said, but did not give announce when it would be. (05/ahy/aan)