University students took to the streets in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Jalan Gatot Subroto, Senayan, Jakarta, and hung a yellow banner stating ‘Maaf perjalanan anda terganggu, sedang ada perbaikan reformasi’, or ‘sorry for disrupting your journey, here is a reformation we need to improve.’
The banner is believed to be from the Civil Society Alliance for Justice and Democracy. The banner, which is tied onto a pedestrian bridge, can be seen from Semanggi or Slipi. There is another banner that states ‘RIP Democracy’ and ‘Council of Con-Artists’.
The Chairperson of the University of Indonesia (UI) Student Executive Board (BEM), Manik Marganamahendra, said that today’s rally would be attended by more crowds. Manik claimed there will be 4,000 students from 36 to 40 universities attending. The general public will also take part.
These students claim to not have a political agenda behind this riot. Their main aim is to voice their rejection of the revised Corruption Eradication Commission Law which has been passed. As well as their opposition to the draft of the Criminal Code.
Central Jakarta Police Chief Senior Commissioner Harry Kurniawan said that the students were given until 6:00pm to voice their opinions. Harry said the maximum time for the demonstration could also change, depending on the situation unfolding on the ground. Extra time is possible to avoid physical clashes between the police and the masses.
Source: Kompas.com
Image: Tempo