Jakarta – Around 300 demonstrators from various non-governmental organizations and other group of society staged protests near Hotel Indonesia, Central Jakarta, yesterday urging all parties to stop committing violence throughout the country.

Among the organizations which took part in the anti-violence protests were the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi), and the Mothers Voice. They invited all elements of the society to reject violence, following the bomb blasts at the Jakarta Stock Exchange last week killing at least 15 persons and wounding several others.

Among the activists who joined the anti-violence campaign were Executive Director of Walhi Emmy Hafild, political analysts Andi A. Mallarangeng and a lecturer from the University of Indonesia (UI) Imam B. Prasojo. "This is part of our action to show solidarity to the victims of violence," said Hafild. Prasojo pointed out that the riots have put so many common people in misery and that he and his fellow protesters are concerned about problems of security and safety.

The proyest action was not only attended by activists but also common people as well as children because the organizers have urged all parties to joint their action through television campaign. They later went on to hold a long march towards the National Monument (Monas) Square and joined hundreds of people who were jogging there. They also unfurled 50-meter long banners demanding the police to be serious in investigating bomb blasts.