Rendi A. Witular and A'an Suryana, Jakarta – Some 3,000 students from various universities staged a protest rally demanding the formation of a special House of Representatives inquiry into the alleged misuse of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) funds, in which House Speaker Akbar Tandjung is implicated.
They also demanded Akbar resign from his post and remain under detention. Their other demand was the dissolution of the Golkar party, which is under Akbar's leadership.
The students comprised the Student Executive Boards (BEM) from around Indonesia, the Association of Islamic Students (HMI) and the Indonesian Muslim Students Action Front (KAMMI), and were supported by the Democratic People's Party (PRD) and the labor association of PT. Indah Sutera Utama.
Wisnu Sunandar of the University of Indonesia BEM said the students pledged to keep on staging massive protests throughout the country, beginning on Tuesday, and appealed to the public not to trust either the government or the legislature.
"Their failure to establish the special committee has proved that reform is at a standstill. President Megawati Soekarnoputri is involved in collusion with the Golkar Party in nurturing corruption," he yelled in his speech.
"This rally is only an initial event to guide other students in the country to oppose the government. We hope today's action will lead to a more massive movement in support of the public demand to eliminate corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN)."
Students began the rally at 8 a.m. from their gathering point at Wisma Danamon Aetna on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta, before marching to the House at Jl. Gatot Subroto, Central Jakarta. Upon their arrival at the House at around 10 a.m., they encountered hundreds of Golkar supporters, who were also staging a protest at the entrance to the House compound. The supporters demanded that legislators not establish the special committee.
They came from Jakarta's outskirts, such as Tangerang, Bekasi and even Banten and Lampung. Most of them wore black clothing, unique costumes typical of Banten jawara (martial arts fighters). Others wore the uniforms of paramilitary organizations under Golkar, such as Pemuda Pancasila. Some even carried swords and knives.
Security chief at the House Comr. Muchidin said two Golkar supporters were detained at the city police headquarters for possession of offensive weapons. The police deployed 1,066 personnel from Mobile Brigade and Sabhara (anti-riot unit) to secure the location.
The situation became tense after several Golkar supporters yelled at students, spoiling for a fight. Violence failed to materialize thanks to a heavy, one-hour shower. After the rain, the students marched to the rear entrance of the House, forcing their way inside.
However, the students failed to meet legislators as the latter were still engrossed in their plenary session, discussing the formation of the special committee. The session was delayed several times.
At 2 p.m., a minor clash between students and the police occurred. At least 15 students were struck by police armed with rattan sticks, forcing them to retreat.
The students then shifted their target of protest to Merdeka Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara, Central Jakarta, following their accusation that Megawati had tried to save Akbar.
The protest ended at 5:30 p.m. after the students read out their statement, even though they had been unable to meet the President.