Thousands throng police precinct to cheer Megawati

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)