Medan – Hundreds of people grouped under the 'Freedom for Medan' staged a rally at the Majestik junction in Medan, North Sumatra, Thursday, protesting against the bill on intelligence. They said the bill, if enacted, would block the people's democratic rights.

The protesters' coordinator Nico Silalahi said that the bill was an indication of the return of anti-democratic military force that was once applied by the New Order regime for 32 years.

"Once it is approved into law, the people will lose their rights to criticize government's policies that are not pro-people. It will kill democracy and human rights," Nico said.