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Jakarta Governor Slaps a Ban on Rallies After Demonstrators Clash
Camelia Pasandaran | November 30, 2009

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peterR
11:30am Nov 30, 2009

Peaceful demonstration is not the problem, that is a democratic right, it is those that hire the thugs to promote their own agenda who are the problem.

But we can all understand why the Jakarta Governor, being himself of 'The Elite', might wish to ban demonstrations.

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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.