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November 30, 2009
Camelia Pasandaran

Two Anticorruption Protests in One Day May Mean No More Most Days
Rival demonstrators supporting the Corruption Eradication Commission and
National Police had to be separated by police after squaring off in Central
Jakarta on Sunday, raising fears of potential clashes as more demonstrations
could be held nationwide this week.

A group of 50 pro-police protestors, one of whom admitted they were being paid,
interrupted a rally by 500 supporters of the anti-corruption agency, or KPK, at
the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, which was closed off to vehicles during the
morning. The 500 people were organized by the Civil Society Coalition Against
Corruption (KOMPAK).

The pro-police group, a collection of rough-looking people claiming to be from
Eastern Indonesia, had been at the traffic circle since early morning,
apparently waiting for the rally to begin. They denounced calls by
anti-corruption groups for National Police chief Bambang Hendarso Daruni resign
amid allegations that the police had framed two KPK officials for bribery.

However, one pro-police protestor couldn't answer when asked the police chief's
name, while another said the group was each receiving Rp 100,000 and lunch for
their efforts.

Before the face off between the rival groups, who were separated by police,
Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo cancelled the rally, which was to include artist
performances and live music. The group did some impromptu singing after being
told by police that the rally was being cancelled, and were then approached by
the pro-police group.

Fauzi told news port detik.com that he would no longer issue permits for
personal events at the traffic circle, saying they will be limited to car-free
Sundays and sports events.

Fadjroel Rachman, a political activist from KOMPAK, questioned the governor's
order.

"There is no law that forbids us to stage a demonstration," he said. "We should
only report our demonstration plan and we have done it. But if the governor
makes it as a regulation, we will file for a judicial review with the Supreme
Court."

Berar Fathia of the Women's Alliance said: "I guess the authorities might be
afraid because there is strong indication that there'll be 'people power' action
for this case."
The pro-KPK supporters also called on the central government to resolve the
controversy surrounding the bailout of PT Bank Century, and denounced a plan by
the House of Representatives to conduct its own investigation as a political
game.

Arip Musthopa, national chairman of the Islamic Association of University
Students, called on its members to demonstrate outside the House compound on
Tuesday, when a plenary session begins, in support of the KPK and a resolution
to the Bank Century case.

He also called on members of the association's 188 branches nationwide to hold
demonstrations on Tuesday at all regional legislative council buildings.

"We should urge the House to not to make the Century case and the people's
mandate a game. They should not compromise the investigation," he said.




Related articles
Bank Century Depositors Ask for Anticorruption Agency to Investigate
12:07 AM 14/11/2009

Bank Century Probe Unlikely to Lead Indonesia To Impeachment, Jurist Says
9:55 AM 17/11/2009

Jakarta Court Rejects Call for Bank Century Prosecution
10:46 PM 13/10/2009

KPK Sued Over Inaction in Case Of Bank Century
11:28 PM 05/10/2009

Bank Century Audit Team Vows It Can't Be Bought
12:05 AM 30/11/2009


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