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Indonesia protesters clash with cops

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Associated Press - July 19, 2000

Daniel Cooney, Jakarta – Police scuffled with anti-corruption demonstrators Wednesday, a day before Indonesia's president was to explain his firing of two ministers accused of graft.

About 100 student protesters tried to empty a truck full of garbage in front of the parliament. They scuffled with dozens of police officers, but no one was injured. Some protesters also scaled the attorney general's building and unfurled a giant banner calling for the government to eradicate corruption. Police did not intervene.

Lawmakers summoned President Abdurrahman Wahid to appear before them Thursday to explain the sacking of two economic ministers three months ago. Many legislators are upset with what they see as Wahid's arbitrary way of making decisions. The ministers he fired also came from the two major parties represented in his coalition government.

At first, Wahid said the move was a way of bringing harmony back to his Cabinet. He later said the firings were because of allegations of graft. Both men have denied this.

On Wednesday, the government established a panel to investigate the wealth of government officials. It was not clear whether the announcement was linked to the firings.

Thursday's session may prove to be a bellwether for next month's meeting of the country's highest legislative body during which Wahid is scheduled to deliver his state-of-the-nation speech, said University political lecturer Dede Oetomo.

Some say backers of deposed dictator Suharto and others may try to impeach Wahid, citing a long-running separatist war in the west, ongoing religious conflict in the east, a poor economy and other problems. Oetomo doubted such a move would succeed because Wahid's ruling coalition enjoys majority support in the 700- member legislature.

Military spokesman Lt. Col. Nachrowi, who like many Indonesians only uses one name, said security forces plan to mobilize more than 28,000 police and soldiers ahead of the August 7-18 meeting. It is expected to attract 100,000 political supporters.

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