Jakarta – Members of several non-governmental organizations including Perempuan Mahardika and the Indonesian Street Musician Union hit the streets in a rally commemorating the massive 1974 street riots known as Malari on Tuesday.

Some 80 protesters put on orations and theatrical performances across the street from the State Palace after they were denied access by police.

They demanded the government develop domestic industries without reliance on foreign interests, stop payment on foreign debt and nationalize the mining industry for the sake of the people.

Malari – an acronym for Malapetaka Lima Belas Januari or Jan. 15th Disaster – took place on Jan. 15, 1974 when students took to the streets to protest the arrival to the country of Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka.

"We have to learn from the spirit of the event and not allow Indonesia to be manipulated by foreign countries," said Vivi Widyawati from Perempuan Mahardika. (JP/lva)