Traders protest about security during riots

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)