Irawaty Wardany and Dicky Christanto, Jakarta – A mass rally to mark World Anti-Corruption Day lacked clear focus but ended peacefully Wednesday, dispelling fears that riots would result.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed Sunday his concern of a political movement to overthrow him during the rally.
In Jakarta, about 10,000 people rallied along the city's thoroughfares into the afternoon, urging the government to stand against corruption through speeches, music and other performances.
Some sang songs while others acted out scenes asking the public to unite against corruption. Students from various universities and organizations were among rally participants.
Similar rallies across the country also ended peacefully, although minor incidents occurred in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Pamekasan in East Java, Ternate, and North Maluku.
But with so many groups at the rally, a key theme was not evident. Some celebrated Anti-Corruption Day, while others rallied against the controversial bailout for Bank Century or the efforts to weaken the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
Fadjroel Rahman, a rally field coordinator, appreciated participants' efforts to ensure the rally ran smoothly.
"There was no reason to have a violent protest," he said. "It's time to celebrate the people's will to fight corruption."
Political observer Eep Saefuloh Fatah said Yudhoyono's administration faced challenges in fighting corruption. "The administration depends on SBY's speeches to eradicate corruption," he said. "The administration needs time to prove itself."
Rights activist Usman Hamid said the public wanted the government to better fight corruption. "The investigation into the Bank Century scandal, for example, will be used as a marker to assess how well the administration deals with corruption," he said.
The two-hour mass rally began at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and continued to the National Monument, or Monas, in front of Merdeka Palace. The rally ended with participants returning to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle.
Many streets were reportedly deserted as residents opted not to travel due to expected congestion along Jl. Sudirman and Jl. M.H. Thamrin. There were also rumors that riots would occur, but they did not.
Waves of protesters arrived at the KPK including approximately 300 high school students from 50 schools in Jakarta. A student representative, Hamzah, from state senior high school SMUN 21, handed over two mice in a trap to a KPK staff member. The trap was a symbol of the expectation that the KPK trap more corrupt officials.
Also at the KPK, the House of Regional Representatives declared an antigraft caucus as an effort to build a transparent legislative body.
Separately, National Police chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri said he was relieved the mass rally ran peacefully. "I thank everyone for their ability to safeguard the mass rally Wednesday," he said. (mrs)