R Maslan/SWA & AH, Jakarta – Today, exactly four years after the attack on the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) office, hundreds of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) demonstrators occupied Jl. Diponegoro, burning incense and Golkar Flags in commemoration the 27 July incident. Former militia leader, Eurico Guterres, was seen at this "commemoration ceremony".
"Suharto and Golkar are the mastermind of the 27 July attack. Suharto and Golkar have to be responsible for what they have done," yelled one of the participants occupying the then PDI office. People gathered on that street clapped and cheered when the Golkar flag was burnt. Soon the national anthem was heard.
Wearing a bright red T-shirt (PDIP's color) and a black vest, Aitarak Eurico Guterres, the former pro-integration East Timor militia leader, passed through Jl. Diponegoro in his jeep and waved to the demonstrators who responded merrily.
Meanwhile, many people packed the former PDI office to examine pictures, evidence and articles about the incident that took place four years ago. A painting exhibition was held in the left wing of the office entitled "Art Exhibition of Cool Reformation Action".
The remembrance started earlier today when hundreds of PDIP participants held a ceremony and sprinkled flowers on their headquarters, located on 58 Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta. They displayed banners and posters demanding a comprehensive and thorough investigation on the bloody 27 July incident.
Guarded by around 50 personnel of the PDIP task force, the commemoration ceremony was led by PDIP Jakarta Regional Leader Roy BB Janis and was attended by representatives of the Jakarta Board of Leaders.