Moses Ompusunggu, Jakarta – Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has lamented what he called an "illegal" protest held outside the residence of his father, former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Monday.
While refusing to label the protest an attempt to disrupt his bid in the upcoming Jakarta election on Feb. 15, Agus referred to the activity an effort to intimidate his family.
"All citizens have to obey the regulations and prevent themselves from conducting illegal activities. Hundreds of people flocked to a private residential area, shouting outside pak SBY's residence," Agus told reporters after launching his new book, titled Telah Kupilih Jalan Hidupku Yang Baru Untuk Jakarta (I Have Chosen to Lead a New Life for Jakarta), in South Jakarta on Monday.
"I don't want my family to be intimidated by any parties because I am running in the Jakarta election. The more people [engaging in activities like Monday's protest] the more determined I am to prove that Jakarta needs a change," Agus added.
Yudhoyono took to Twitter yesterday to complain that his rights had been violated by the presence of hundreds of students protesting in front of his private residence.
South Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Iwan Kurniawan said as quoted by kompas.com that approximately 300 protesters had taken part in the rally. (trw)