Traders protest about security during riots

JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of traders of Chinese descent who were hit hard by the May 14 rioting went to the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday to complain about the lack of security during the unrest.

Led by convict-turned-preacher Anton Medan, the traders from Mangga Dua, Glodok, Bekasi and Tangerang said thousands of shops owned mostly by Chinese businesspeople were destroyed by rioters because only a handful of security personnel were safeguarding them.

"We demand that security officers no longer extort money or take illegal levies from the Chinese traders," he said at the commission's office on Jl. Latuharhari in Central Jakarta.

He urged the government to consider the possibility of giving a clear-cut solution and helping traders resume their operating as usual.

He called on people not to blame Chinese traders as a whole because a handful of wealthy Chinese businessmen had become involved in improper business practices.

The traders also wanted the nation to end discrimination in all sectors of society and to open all professions to all citizens, Anton said.

"We work as traders because it is the only chance we have. We also want to be Armed Forces members and civil servants like other citizens," Anton said.

Calling themselves the Big Family of Indonesians of Chinese Descent, the traders also expressed their support for total, peaceful reform and the eradication of collusion, corruption and nepotism, he said.

The traders were received by commission members B.N. Marbun, Koesparmono Irsan and Soegiri.

Marbun said the commission shared the delegation's view that the security forces gave inadequate protection to the shops owned by people of Chinese descent during the riots.

"We see that it is unfair. Why didn't they give greater protection to the Chinese traders?" he asked.

He said the commission would soon issue a statement calling on the nation to end discrimination against all races, especially those of Chinese descent.

At least 11 people died when the Glodok electronics market in West Jakarta was burned. Hundreds of other damaged shops in the area, which is known as the city's Chinatown, have yet to reopen. (jun)