It was a surprise for a small group of demonstrators marching near the home of former Indonesian President Suharto yesterday to demand that he be put on public trial. After years of brutal clashes in the streets, the police greeted them with a smile and a welcome banner, instead of the usual riot shields and tear gas.

The banner, strung up between two palm trees, read: "Welcome participants of the demonstration. The police are ready to serve and protect you. But if you become anarchic, we will take stern action."

Jakarta police spokesman Lt-Colonel Nur Usman said the sign was part of a new conciliatory policy to allow legitimate political street protests, but not violence.