Andi Hajramurni, Makassar – Heavy security by military and police during the President's brief visit did not stop a violent rally in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday.
Separate protests occurred in several parts of the city, notorious for its violent rallies, while President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was making a speech to officially open the 32nd national congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the nation's largest Muslim organization.
A group of some 30 student protesters pelted rocks at an outlet of the French-based hypermarket Carrefour on Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan, Makassar, braving tight security by gun-brandishing military soldiers and police along the roads leading the venue.
The attackers smashed the windows of a security post and two parking booths at the outlet. They also hurled rocks at a car parked inside the compound and tore down banners held up near Carrefour's entry gate.
A perfume trading booth in the outlet's corridor suffered the brunt of the damage. After venting their anger, the protesters ran away and the rally dissipated.
"I was shocked when I heard loud noises. When I checked it out, I saw people throwing rocks [at Carrefour]. Other traders and I, as well as visitors fled for safety," said Halijah, 30, who owns a ceramic stall on the same floor as the hypermarket.
The protesters were wearing black clothing and carried protest banners, she added.
The banner and leaflets conveyed the protesters' demands for equal and cheap education and lower prices for basic goods.
They also rejected foreign investment and a government plan to raise electricity prices.
Burhanuddin, a security officer at the hypermarket, said the protestors threw rocks for several minutes.
On Monday, Wirabuana military commander Maj. Gen. Hari Krisnowo, warned that his troops would not tolerate unruly behavior and would instead take firm action against those trying to disrupt the President's visit to Makassar.
However, a wave of demonstrations rejecting the President's visit still occurred.
Protests were staged at a number of university campuses, at the South Sulawesi Legislative Council and under the city's flyover, as well as outside the Makassar National Heroes Cemetery.
Student protesters burned tires during a free speech forum outside the campus of the State University of Makassar (UNM), the Alauddin State Islamic University (UIN) and Muhammadiyah University.
The protesters accused the President of "not being consistent with his promises", particularly in relation to the Bank Century bailout.
They urged Yudhoyono, Vice President Boediono and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati to resign for their alleged "abuse of power and embezzlement" in the Bank Century case.