[The following was compiled and translated by ASIET from three reports by Detikcom dated July 2, the day after riot police fired on People's Democratic Party (PRD) demonstrations injuring as many as 76. A number remain in hospital under intensive care and a several others have been arrested by police or have "disappeared" - James Balowski.]
The PRD has apparently not learnt its lesson. The violence and the shooting by security forces [on July 1] has not stopped them demonstrating. On Friday, July 2, at 1.30pm, hundreds of PRD members began gathering on the grounds of the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) in Central Jakarta.
There they raised the PRD flag and inspired themselves by singing the song "Revolution until Death" (Revolusi Sampai Mati). From their faces they appeared spirited and without fear.
The plan was to hold a "long march" to the General Election Commission (KPU) on Jalan Iman Bonjol in Central Jakarta and if that failed, planned to take the action to the Central Jakarta Police Headquarters.
This action was to condemn the "Bloody KPU Incident" on Thursday as well as continuing to demand that Golkar be disqualified [for election fraud and manipulation], an end to the dual function of the armed forces and that the winners of the election carry out a program of total reform.
Security forces could already be seen lining the streets [which the march would take] and at the KPU building itself, around 100 riot police could be seen guarding the front gate.
At 2.30pm the rally moved of in three ranks totaling around 300 demonstrators lead by Wilson. They carried red and white banners reading "The People United Reject the Golkar Vote". The also shouted for Golkar to be disbanded, the abolition of the dual function of the armed forces and for a transitional government.
Meanwhile a blockade was being prepared to meet the rally at the Kuningan intersection by around 200 riot police and a panzer. They were fully armed with riot shields and clubs.
The demands were the same as those on Thursday but at this action, the PRD could be seen to be ready to face up to any possibility, including clashing with security forces.
At 3pm, when the rally was around 150 metres from the KPU building, they stopped. The road was already closed of to traffic and the PRD continued to shout "Revolution until Death".
PRD leaders Aan Rusdianto, Wilson and Ida Nasin began negotiations with police captain Hero saying they just wanted to read a 5-10 minute statement in the KPU building. "It'll just take a moment. We just want to read a statement", said Wilson. "We will guarantee security", added Aan.
However Heru still refused to give them permission saying "the demonstration does not have permission [to be held]. It is a procedural matter which must be adhered to. However we can discuss [it] first and give you and answer later", said Heru.
[Reporters Hestiana Dharmastuti and Sigit Widodo. Translated by James Balowski.]